Guyana: AG Nandlall Highlights GOAL Scholarship Programme Amid Opposition Criticism

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall has reported that the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme has awarded more than 54,000 scholarships since its launch in 2021. During his weekly programme, Issues in the News, Nandlall stated that the government-funded initiative has produced over 14,000 graduates, with an additional 35,000 individuals currently enrolled in various programmes under GOAL.

Nandlall emphasized the significance of these figures, suggesting that the GOAL programme may be one of the largest state-funded scholarship initiatives in the region. He remarked, “I say, respectfully, that this must be the largest government-sponsored or government-funded scholarship programme, definitely in the West Indies, and I would dare say perhaps throughout the entire British Commonwealth.”

In addition to promoting the programme’s achievements, Nandlall addressed the political challenges faced during its inception. He noted that opposition parties, including the APNU and AFC, heavily criticized the initiative when it was first introduced. He described the initial reactions as mocking and ridiculing the programme, asserting that opposition figures attempted to dissuade supporters from participating.

Nandlall recounted efforts by government officials to engage with communities traditionally aligned with the opposition, encouraging residents to take advantage of the scholarships and highlighting the importance of academic certification in a changing economy. He mentioned visits to several villages, including Buxton, Golden Grove, and Plaisance, to directly communicate with residents.

According to Nandlall, the success of the GOAL programme is evident in the increasing number of graduates from diverse communities across the country. He cited the recent graduation of Attorney-at-Law Darren Wade as an example of the programme’s impact, illustrating the government’s efforts to reach even those who may have initially opposed the initiative.

Nandlall also criticized detractors for attempting to undermine both the scholarship programme and the institutions offering the courses. He stated, “They tried to ridicule the programme. They tried to ridicule the universities that were offering the courses of study.” The GOAL programme was established as part of a broader initiative to enhance access to tertiary and professional education, particularly through online learning and partnerships with international institutions. Since its launch, it has become a key educational initiative for the administration and a point of political contention with opposition parties.

In his comments, Nandlall framed the programme as more than just an educational policy, presenting it as evidence of the government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education despite facing skepticism and political resistance.

Source: hgptv.com