Where do Messrs Persaud and Chand stand on the withdrawal of the subvention

http://www.stabroeknews.com/index.pl/article?id=56541229


Where do Messrs Persaud and Chand stand on the withdrawal of the
subvention
Stabroek News, Monday, March 17th 2008


Dear Editor,

I hope the political parties, Critchlow Labour College , trade unions,
the media, and other stakeholder bodies will continue to demand that
the government engage in equitable distribution of the State's
resources. Many have said it, but it needs to be repeated that the
money the government refuses to give to the students of the College is
taxpayers' money.

Mr. Robert Persaud, Minis-ter of Agriculture was a student of the One
Year Indus-trial and Social Studies Program. I know, I saw him there.
He used this opportunity to improve his education that allowed him
entry to the University of Guyana where he read for the Communica-tion
degree, which later led to his Master at the University of the West
Indies . The opportunity Mr. Persaud now enjoys is largely due to the
foundation laid by Critchlow.

Those who follow Mr. Persaud's political and government growth will
accept that the he plays a very significant role in the PPP party and
government. Recall his role as President Jagdeo/Office of the President
Liaison Officer and GINA, and now Minister of Agriculture. It is also
generally felt that Mr. Persaud exercises great influence in the PYO
and PPP and media outlets affiliated/associated with the Party. It is
also felt he is being groomed for the Presidency.

Mr. Persaud should be asked what was his contribution to that Cabinet
meet-ing that took the unjust decision to withdraw taxpayers' money
from the College. He should also tell us if he agrees with the
government treatment of his Alma Mater, and, if not, what he plans to
do to reverse it.

There have been calls to hear from Mr. Komal Chand, GAWU leader, PPP
Central Executive Member and Member of Parliament. To date he has not
spoken. His opinion must be solicited and shared with the public. Both
Messrs Persaud and Komal Chand are public figures who benefited from
Critchlow, are paid by tax dollars and hold influential positions in
the PPP party and government. If anyone within the PPP hierarchy can
reverse this unjust act, it will be Robert Persaud and/or Komal Chand.
Young people and workers must hear from them.

I read the College is seeking ways to survive without the subvention
and former students are calling for a scholarship fund. Both are good
pursuits. The College needs to pursue the scholarship fund.
Additionally while it is good to have the College wean itself off the
subvention, the college should continue to pursue the issue of ensuring
the subvention is returned. After all, this is tax payers' money, now
unjustly withheld that was given to the College for many decades, to
which the students and their parents have and are contributing.

Yours faithfully,

Sonjay Thom