Dear Editor,
The Ministry of Education’s blatant hypocrisy demands immediate condemnation. A glaring example of their double standards has surfaced on social media: the disgraceful disqualification of a pupil for her exceptional performance in a calypso competition. Her crime? Singing a calypso labelled “political” by the Ministry, titled “Tell me how we must survive with 6.5.”
What this courageous child dared to do was expose the harsh reality that a measly 6.5% salary increase is woefully inadequate to navigate the exorbitant cost of living plaguing all Guyanese. This percentage, mind you, is the paltry national standard increment across the public sector. Yet, the Ministry of Education saw fit to silence her, citing political content.
The height of hypocrisy, however, lies in their selective application of this rule. While they swiftly silenced dissent, they shamelessly accepted performances from other children espousing the politically charged slogan of “One Guyana.” Let’s not kid ourselves: “One Guyana” isn’t merely a unifying message; it’s a blatant political slogan championed by the PPP/C, serving as a tool for Irfaan Ali’s regime to advance its agenda.
The PPP/C is tirelessly attempting to shove this notion down the throats of Guyanese, despite the majority understanding that we’re living in a, “One Sided Guyana,” where only a select few enjoy the fruits of progress.
The Minister of Education Priya Manickchand owes this brave pupil an apology for the vindictive disqualification and must take swift disciplinary action against the officer responsible for this injustice. It’s evident that political slogans favoured by the government were granted a free pass in the competition, while any dissenting voice was unjustly stifled. This cannot, and will not, be tolerated.
Yours faithfully,
Ganesh Mahipaul, M.P.