GYSM blasts Educ. Ministry over QC issue

Dec 05, 2012 News

The Guyana Youth and Student Movement (GYSM) yesterday expressed disgust at the length of time it is taking officials to rectify the so-called flea infestation at Queen’s College, saying that the delay indicates the gravity of the situation at the school, and further proves that the students were attending classes in hazardous conditions for a “very long time.”

GYSM Executive member Malika Ramsey

Malika Ramsey, Executive member of GYSM cited reports that the infestation was as a result of stray animals that invaded the school and “took up residence.” With that being pointed out, Ramsey said that the assertion of Chief Education Officer Olato Sam that “animals usually dwell where there is garbage” is not only disappointing but offers cause for concern.
“Does Mr. Sam believe that this excuse is a reasonable one? Why is there prolonged garbage pile-up at a school? Is this how we protect our youths and prepare them for the future? If this practice is allowed and accepted at Queen’s College, one must wonder how many more schools there are across our nation where garbage pile-ups are accepted as a norm. How up to date is maintenance of our school grounds and how effective and efficient is security at these institutions?”
Ramsey said that the situation at hand, “unfortunately”, reminds the GYSM Executive of the disastrous state of affairs at President’s College a few years ago.
“Why is the Ministry of Education failing to preserve and protect institutions that have produced some of our best citizens?” she asked.
Ramsey noted that the GYSM is appealing to the Health and Education Ministries to collaborate to ensure that the situation at Queen’s College is rectified quickly, and to ensure that the environs for schools nationwide are hazard-free and suitable for learning.
“Proper disposable facilities must be put in place, to avoid possible health crises.”