Private schools must not be allowed to exploit students

Mar 10, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
I appreciate being able to air my view on the problematic matter of tax on private education through your medium. At first, it could not be internalized as to why a government preaching self -development with claims of aspiring to a well- educated nation, would want to add to the already high cost of private education.
It was later realized that private schools were having a free-for-all. Out of 57 schools only 8 were GRA compliant. Some, although operating as a business and making surpluses, are registered as not-for-profit organisations. Some are not even registered with the GRA and not recognized by the Education Ministry. It was a further shame to hear that some schools are already charging VAT on their services and even on zero-rated items, double-dipping yet still, not compliant with GRA.
Now there is a huge outcry about VAT on private education. Many of these private schools use the same teachers trained with national resources and are charging huge sums; as much as $60,000 a term at kindergarten level.
Kudos to those parents who make the sacrifice to send their kids to private schools. It is in that same vein however that parents must not allow unconscionable private schools to pass the 14 percent VAT on to them.
These schools are businesses; they pay no corporation tax, and dodge all others.
Instead of protesting the government, people should be demanding more answers from their private schools. Parents should be concerned that they are spending all this money and the schools are not fulfilling their obligations thus ending up on GRA’s radar and causing them to feel the squeeze. This situation is just another glimpse into the depths of Guyana’s economic and moral deterioration over the years. There is so much to be done to make Guyana an honest economy again.
Akeem Bennons

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