The student population of the University of Guyana (UG) continues to speak out against the prevailing substandard conditions at the institution and on Tuesday held a press conference where students conveyed their frustration and sore disappointment that even in the face of weeks of industrial action by staffers, the situation remains the same.
Students regarded the situation as a crisis and said they are suffering as the deadlock continues between the staff and the UG administration. Staff members are demanding salary increases and better teaching and learning environment while the administration insists that it cannot be afforded at this time.
The call was made for unions representing the interest of staff members and administration to return to the negotiating table since daily absenteeism is now to the detriment of the student population.
The UG Student Society (UGSS) said from the inception it worked assiduously to ensure the soonest resolution to the impasse but now believes the uncertainty is frustrating. The UGSS also believes that it is discriminatory that some students are being taught while the majority is unable to have classes.
Students believe that it was also unfair for them to travel from the lengths of Guyana only to be informed that scheduled classes have been cancelled, usually without any reason for cancelation.
The student population said the injustice is beyond a threat to individual futures but is a threat to national development.
“We are cognizant that this situation is beyond the purview of administration and extends to powers of the Council. The students therefore call on the University of Guyana Council to actively and immediately return to the negotiation table,” UGSS President Joshua Griffith urged.
The students also noted the lack of direct intervention by the government, particularly the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Labour.
The Workers has written to President Donald Ramotar over a week ago seeking his intervention. He is yet to respond.
“… This is a crying shame, a gross inadequacy. They must reassure this nation that they have not lost sight of their fundamental mandate of service to students and workers respectively,” Griffith added.
Despite a call for return to negotiations, the student population says they remain steadfast in their struggle for basic facilities.
The students are calling on the University of Guyana Council and Administration; members of both Unions to bring an end to the current uncertainty.
On Monday, hours after a march from the Turkeyen Campus to the City, Vice Chancellor Professor Jacob Opadeyi begged staff to return to work where subsequently negotiations will be reentered.
Staff members are yet to heed the call but maintained that the industrial action will continue until their concerns are addressed and also criticized the government for not intervening to bring an end to the impasse.
Filed: 18th February, 2015
You must be logged in to post a comment Login