Dear Editor,
The University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) is extremely dismayed at the recent decision by the Appointments Committee to send to Council for further consideration the contracts of several lecturers, which had been already approved by the Vice Chancellor. This decision has severe negative implications for all stakeholders and appears ill-advised.
Students we must note will be seriously disadvantaged if a decision is taken to rescind these lecturers’ contracts, as their classes have already commenced and in fact, more than half the semester has elapsed.
Additionally, ethical issues clearly surface. These lecturers have been already engaged in teaching, have been paid by the university and have a reasonable expectation that they will be employed for the current academic year. The academic staff at the university are aware that while this decision affects only a few lecturers, it has implications for us all. We are not prepared to countenance injustice.
Moreover, the decision questions the academic competence of departments. The latter are best positioned to determine staffing needs. Appointments Committee and the University Council do not have the capacity or competence to instruct departments, either directly or indirectly.
We strongly urge the Council to take a decision that is in the best interest of all stakeholders.
Yours faithfully,
Patsy Francis
President
UGSSA
