Now is the time to make free education a reality

For too long it has been normal for politicians to make empty promises and proclamations.

It has become normal for them to dismiss the Constitution and their declarations upon assumption to office, that is, to serve the will of the people.

It has become normal for them to talk about the next elections than the next generation. It is 2020 and it is time for a new normal.

Where our key issues should not be a big deal over the US Secretary of State coming to Guyana, but the quality of life our people have and Free Education can answer some of the ills that impede that quality of life a Guyanese can afford and enjoy.

Article 27 of the Constitution says everyone has a right to free education from nursery to university. It is time our governments not just keep their Manifesto promises, but respect the Constitution.

President, Dr Ali emphatically championed free education during his campaign. Now, is the time to make it happen for the people of Guyana. Educated people are the engine that drives development in a country and an investment in this will yield a bountiful harvest.

Governments must not play politics with the fundamental rights of the people, there is no need for a negotiation on the matter, the Constitution is clear, lest the government plans to continue to incur costs in reparations for the thousands who have paid for their education, and those who have existing loans for what is their constitutional right to have free without prejudice or taxes or ill will.

If the government engages the current students to pay their fees, and to have the debt owed by others with the Ministry of Finance be written off, that’s a start. Lest a class action lawsuit be brought against the government for failing to ensure that the rights of the people enshrined in the Constitution are protected and executed.

Why is it always the lesser of two evils, and never the greater of two goods?

We need not focus resources only in one direction like, sugar, when many people don’t have the privilege to tertiary education because it is not free...

I respectfully ask that our President and Government hear this, and help us, the people you serve.