The Ministry of Education (MoE) has issued a sharp rebuttal to statements made by Opposition Parliamentarian Devin Sears regarding delays in the reopening of some schools for the new academic term.
In a letter to the editor, Sears described the delays as “unacceptable” and accused the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government of failing to adequately prioritise the education sector.In his letter, he alleged a lack of planning and accountability on the part of the government, calling for urgent action to address the situation.
However, the MoE, in its response, strongly refuted Sears’s claims, highlighting that responsibility for school maintenance and repairs in Region 10 lies squarely with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), which is chaired by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) representative Deron Adams.
“Having served in Parliament for the last four years, by now, Mr. Devin Sears must know that responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of schools in Region Ten, and indeed all regions across Guyana, falls strictly to the Regional Democratic Council,” the Ministry’s statement read.
“If he doesn’t know that, he should offer his resignation from the Assembly forthwith.”The Ministry further suggested that Sears direct his concerns to the Region 10 RDC, implying that local government mismanagement may have contributed to the delays.
“Some have even speculated whether the Local Government arm of Region Ten deliberately caused this, so individuals like Sears could use it to create an issue,” the statement added.
Highlighting its commitment to ensuring students’ education is not compromised, the Ministry assured that all affected schools in Region 10 are slated to reopen next week.
“Whatever can be done to make sure children are in classes being taught is what should be done,” the MoE emphasised.
The Ministry also took the opportunity to call for a depoliticised approach to education. “We should never politicise our children’s education. Education should be a unifying force that drives the development of our nation,” the statement concluded.
