Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton is of the firm conviction that the government can easily use a portion of the oil revenues to make education at the University of Guyana (UG) free now. Instead of doing so, he said today that the administration wants to stretch the process out to 2025 when Guyana will be in the heat of its electoral cycle.
During his first press conference of the year, Norton said, “This is the only explanation for the President’s anti-climactic announcement (on New Year’s Day that plans would be rolled out in this year’s budget for free education at UG by 2025)… it should be free and well-funded right now.”
Further to this, Norton said, “For years, without oil money, Guyana offered free education at the university level.” Norton said it is mind-boggling that the Irfaan Ali/Bharrat Jagdeo administration is unwilling to ensure free university education now.
Norton also pointed out the missed opportunity in last year’s national budget, which exceeded $900 billion, to allocate funds for making the university free. He suggested that government spending is largely aimed at benefiting cronies rather than addressing crucial national priorities like education.
Norton also took issue with the proposed requirement noted by the administration for students to work during their studies as a condition for free tuition. “While we support students contributing to national development, there must be no requirement to work while completing a programme,” he asserted, promising to reverse such actions if his party comes to power.
Norton’s plan also includes writing off all student loans for graduates working in Guyana, offering stipends up to $50,000 a month to university students, and substantially increasing funding for the University of Guyana. Norton also shared his vision of transforming UG into a leading regional center for knowledge, with competitive wages for staff and increased focus on research and facilities.
