GEORGETOWN — A heated political exchange has erupted between Minister of Education Priya Manickchand and Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Nigel Hughes over the state of the education sector, particularly in light of the recent National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results.
At a press conference on Friday, Hughes questioned the authenticity of the performance seen in the latest NGSA results and claimed that no new educational initiatives had been introduced under the current administration. He described the results as “unbelievable” and dismissed the notion that meaningful reform had occurred.
“I see no evidence of any major change or initiative that would justify this level of performance,” Hughes said. “It raises questions.”
His comments drew a swift and stern response from Manickchand, who took to Facebook to reject the claims and outline what she described as significant efforts by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government to improve education, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We gave to each child all the textbooks they needed — ALL,” Manickchand wrote. “We consolidated the curriculum, produced video lessons for Grades One through Six, expanded the Learning Channel, and ensured that 97 percent of hinterland students now have access to educational content they previously lacked.”
She also highlighted the ministry’s efforts to digitize resources, including quizzes and past exam papers, and said over 9,000 new teachers were trained, primarily in primary education. Manickchand further pointed to the preparation of concise notes and materials for students, teachers, and parents, all designed to improve readiness for the NGSA.
Calling Hughes’ statements “blatant lies,” the minister accused the AFC leader of discrediting the work of students, teachers, and parents. “To all the parents, children and teachers who he has insulted and discredited by claiming he doesn’t believe you did well, I apologise on his behalf,” she wrote.
Manickchand went on to criticise Hughes’ track record, referencing what she said was the AFC’s failure to start or complete any new secondary schools or smart classrooms while in government, and their inaction during school closures at the height of the pandemic. She also accused Hughes and the AFC of lacking original ideas, saying, “You have zero plan that isn’t stolen from others about how you will run the country or education.”
Despite the minister’s detailed defence, Hughes has not retracted his statements. Instead, his comments have sparked broader political debate about education reform, transparency, and how results should be interpreted.
With both sides holding firm to opposing views, the clash underscores deeper partisan divides over the pace and effectiveness of educational improvements in Guyana.
