The Education Ministry says it strongly rejects claims made by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Catherine Hughes about “nepotism” at the Guyana Learning Channel (GLC).
Hughes, during her presentation to budget 2023 debates on Friday, claimed that the GLC cannot achieve its true potential because it is being “run” by a relative of the Education Minister, Priya Manickchand. She did not disclose the identity of the officer.
The ministry, moments later, issued a statement, accusing Hughes of attacking its officer.
“Mrs. Hughes tried to tarnish the reputation of Ms. Anieshaw Mohamed by stating that she was employed as Head of the Learning Channel because she is related to the Minister of Education. This could not have been further from the truth. Ms. Mohamed and Minister Manickchand are not related in any way. This untruth told by the Opposition Member of Parliament should be rejected fully. It was a cowardly act to attack a professional public servant. A woman who is making significant changes in the education sector,” the Ministry said.
Since assuming the leadership of the Learning Channel in 2020, the ministry said that the GLC has been transformed in every aspect and is now able to better serve children, teachers and the general public.
“The GLC which was struggling from 2015 to August 2020 with one channel now has six channels dedicated to broadcasting educational content being used by learners and teachers. Approximately 85% of hinterland communities have access to the GLC with the installation of televisions and solar systems within those communities. By the end of the first quarter in 2023, there will be 100% access,” the Ministry noted.
It added, “The opposition is cautioned not to involve officers in their political attacks. Surely that can be managed by those we have entrusted with the nation’s law-making.”
