-concerns to be addressed
The University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) has ended its acts of civil disobedience following a meeting with the administration and a commitment from officials that several of the issues raised by the student body would be addressed immediately.
In a statement issued yesterday, the UGSS explained that the University administration met with the student body and agreed to procure a new public address system for the main lecture theatres on campus and has offered redress for the lectures which get off to a late start. In addition, the administration said it would address the request by the student body for the placement of a “stay” on the salary of lecturers in breach of their contracts as it pertains to uplifting, marking and return of the examination scripts for the first semester.
Meanwhile, the administration, in a release issued on Thursday, stated that following a meeting of the Students Advisory Bureau on that day, a commitment was given by the administration of the university to take definitive action in addressing issues outlined and discussed with the UGSS. The UGSS announced that it has issued a moratorium to its acts of civil obedience, stating that a decision has been taken to halt the protest action until the body meets again with the administration to “bring the matter to a conclusion.”
The student body reported that it is pleased with the commitments the administration gave, noting it had outlined several issues, which spurred the protest action, during the meeting with officials. “The administration intimated to us that the issues raised will be addressed post-haste and an update is pending as to how they would initiate remedying the situation,” the student body said.
Further, UGSS expressed its gratitude to the students at the university who supported the protest, in addition to members of the academic staff and the public at large who offered moral support.
UGSS had called on the student body to demonstrate its frustration with the persistent neglect of issues facing students by boycotting all economic activities on the Turkeyen campus on Wednesday.
UGSS President Sherod Duncan told Stabroek News that the proposed action was “simple acts of civil disobedience” aimed at effecting change that is urgently needed.
He said the society has tabled a string of concerns before the University of Guyana (UG) Academic Board and UG Council “for years to no avail” and to a regurgitated response which has failed.
The university administration stated in its release that on April 9, it received a missive from the President of the Students’ Society, where he alluded to “several maladies that presently plague the University.” The administration stated that the missive pre-warned of civil disobedience, noting that the Registrar of the university acknowledged receipt of the missive but matters outlined were never raised with the administration. The university stated that it remains open to dialogue, adding that it will continue to do all within its means to deliver quality service to its students.
