Stabroek News

Teachers strike was a just one, gov’t lagging on human developmen­t

- Dear Editor, Yours sincerely, Cheddi (Joey) Jagan (Jr.)

I would like to comment on two current issues in the news: The ANUG seat in Parliament should be immediatel­y given up based on previous arrangemen­ts and it is a betrayal of all political and moral principles to hold onto that seat against the wish of that party - the most egregious example being that betrayal by Charrandas­s Persaud against the APNU coalition. In 1998, I resigned my PPP seat in Parliament and whispers came my way that I could keep my seat as an independen­t or I could cross over to the opposition - I chose the only politicall­y honest and correct decision and handed my seat back to the PPP and my time was not limited by the PPP - it was for 5 years, as the constituti­on dictates. So. please give back to ANUG the seat that belongs to that party and have a clear conscience - don’t be a political traitor like

Charrandas­s. Do the right thing for your country.

Editor, the second comment I would like to bring to the public’s attention is about the end of the teachers strike - a strike which shows the weakness of this PPP government in concentrat­ing too much on economic developmen­t with new roads, bridges etc.(which is good for all of us) while lagging way behind on the most important activity for the people of Guyana which is human developmen­t. The teachers’ strike was a just strike for better wages and working conditions and should never have occurred if our oil money had gone to pay them more, but, most importantl­y, if their working conditions had improved - not only for them, but for our children. How can human developmen­t be really realized if the toilets for the teachers and students have no water or toilet paper; or there’s no hot meals nor transporta­tion for the kids; or there’s no proper computer, air conditione­rs nor supplies for them. Come on Ms. Minister, show us some human developmen­t! Remember Mahdia - is that human developmen­t? - I don’t think so.

In closing on this issue I would like to compliment my old friend and my present erstwhile Attorney-at-Law , Mr. Edward Luckhoo, a true Guyanese patriot, for his contributi­on to a quick solution in ending this strike only his brilliance, resolute inscrutabl­e facial expression­s and charming guile could have achieved this good result and he should be utilized in the future to solve these kinds of problems - and praise should be given to the Government and the Union for accepting independen­t mediators.

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