Dear Editor,
The government’s announcement of forgiveness of education loans that will benefit an estimated 13,000 UG students and cost $11 billion dollars is a huge investment in the youths of Guyana. And the relaxation of the requirements to show employment and NIS contributions to make it easier for students to receive forgiveness is also a wise decision. We celebrate this loan forgiveness initiative. The Government will do well to do something similar for those victims of NIS waiting for their NIS benefits. This includes my 88-year-old cousin waiting for his payments for 28 years! The Government’s appeal of the Shariff Zainul NIS case to not pay the man because it will become a class-action ruling that will benefit working-class people in similar situations, is sad and regrettable. The same way the Government has allocated funds for the UG students, they must allocate funds to solve the lingering problems of the victims of NIS.
The sad thing about the Government’s laudable action of forgiveness of loans is that some people would not see this action as a very good thing, as they think only direct salary increases matter. But $11 billion going to benefit 13,000 students is a huge transfer of income and is a very substantial assistance to the recipients. Many teachers will benefit from this. Some may say increases for old age pensioners, NIS pensioners, and public assistance should have gotten priority. Maybe the needs of these groups will be addressed soon. Even the rich, mighty USA does not give free university education. For Guyana to embark on this action is quite commendable. President Biden tried hard to do loan forgiveness in the USA but the Republicans opposed that. They managed to get some limited reliefs in loan forgiveness.
For our people to prosper, we have to create an “opportunity culture” where we provide many avenues for people to improve themselves. There are rapid, ongoing socio-economic changes which are transforming our economy and creating needs for an educated populace that will take advantage of emerging new high-paying jobs. Universal access to education and training are the gateways to a better life. In the old colonial days, higher education was scarce, rationed, and reserved for the academically gifted who did well at the Common Entrance Exam, now called the NGSA (National Grade Six Exam). Guyana is moving away from that old colonial model that restricted access to educational opportunities. We are now creating an opportunity culture to promote greater equity and parity across all regions.
The loan forgiveness, on top of the GOAL scholarships benefitting thousands, are to be immeasurably applauded. This is a giant step for Guyana. The Government said it is keeping its campaign promises. It’s up to our people in all regions to take advantage of all training and educational opportunities available in our high schools, Technical Institutes, TVET (Technical, Vocational, Education Training centres), Teachers Training College (CPCE), UG, GOAL, and numerous training provided by the Oil and Gas companies, etc.
Sincerely,
Dr. J. Jailall
Civil Society Advocate
