Dear Editor,
I am compelled to respond to a letter published in the Stabroek News captioned ‘Six months on and still no changes at UG,’ penned by two known opposition writers, namely, Asquith Rose and Sasenarine Singh. Their letter seeks to highlight the problems faced by UG’s staff and students alike. This letter places on the front burner issues involving the continuing deplorable condition of the physical plant, and other administrative matters. While the letter serves as a reminder of the existing problems, it is in essence another rehash of the Freddie Kissoon retirement/dismissal misfortune.
What is laughable is to think that someone should mention such an issue because there is a lecturer who has been asked to retire after he has passed the legal age of permanent employment. So what’s the charge? Other institutions have done the same when persons have reached that age, so why should UG be any different? There are lecturers of calibre, dignity and substance such as Professors James Rose, Mary Noel Menezes and Joycelynne Loncke who gracefully left the hallowed halls of UG without fanfare and without controversy. Then why should it be any different when a Freddie Kissoon leaves UG?
Let’s consider the reappointment of Vincent Alexander. He is a retiree, therefore is UG biased or guilty of double standards? Certainly not! The university has every right to scrutinise its lecturers, past and present, and seek out those who can make a worthwhile contribution to its existence.
The letter goes on in bitter and defamatory language to downgrade the university to a third or fourth-rate institution. It is a typical opposition tactic to minimize the importance of someone or something when they can’t get their way. Theirs is an acrimonious display to berate the institution in the meanest of fashions.
Finally, I would ask the two letter-writers to direct their letter to the partnership of disgrace in parliament for consideration. The fact that huge chunks were made in the national budget means that many things cannot be done. It’s a huge mistake.
Yours faithfully,
Neil Adams
