After failing to establish a local law school during its 23 years in government, the opposition People’s Progressive Party now wants the 5-month old coalition government to move swiftly and establish a local School of Legal Education.

At a Monday morning press conference, General Secretary of the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee called on the government to better prioritize its responsibilities.

Rohee believes a law school in Guyana would be a major investment even as he outlined what he said was rudimentary work that commenced under the PPP government.

The PPP GS accused Attorney General Basil Williams of “flip flopping” on the issue.

Williams had said last week that the establishment of a law school was not a priority for the government at this time, particularly with the type of economy that the APNU+AFC government inherited.

He had also claimed that such a move was never promised by the government but said a committee would be established to examine the viability of such a move.

But according to Mr. Rohee, it was President David Granger who had promise to commence work as soon as possible in this direction. Rohee accused the government of not being up to the task and made it clear that the PPP would fully support any moves towards the setting up of a law school.

He said if the government can find money to carry out several audits and inquiries along with giving its Ministers pay hikes, then it can also find the money for a law school.

“The government must prioritize its needs,” Rohee lamented.

Each year some 25 out of an average of 40 students who study law at the University of Guyana are selected to attend the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad.

Over the last two years, the automatic admission of these students was placed in limbo as the number of applicants from the University of the West Indies continue to rise.

Additionally, students have been faced with increase tuition fees and no access to loan or credit facilities.

Mr. Rohee believes a school in Guyana will cut back on costs associated with attending the school in Trinidad.

He said the former Attorney General Anil Nandlall had already commenced discussions at the level of cabinet and with the Council of Legal Education in this regard and again urged the government to build on the ground work that was laid.

Related posts:

President makes pitch for local Law School at opening of CLE Meeting Establishment of local Law School among items to be discussed at CLE Meeting to be hosted in Guyana Committees to be set up to overlook establishment of local Law School Government examining local Law School as Guyanese students continue to excel