If these three political party leaders can find common ground on this important project, why can't they act similarly for other important matters?

Let's hope this is a start to more cooperation for the people's welfare.

As I have stated since in the early 1970's, when the PROGRESSIVE supporters of the PPP and PNC are indeed united as one group, Guyana would be a much better place.

Wear your literacy cap!

September 7, 2013 • By Jairo Rodrigues •


On September 8 and 9, Guyana joins the international community in celebrating World Literacy Day which is a celebration of those who have triumphed in learning to read and write; a celebration of those who teach literacy and a call for all to become literate in their language.
In countries like Guyana, the timing is perfect since the new school year is still fresh. This is a special call for everyone to basically understand the importance of a solid education and literacy is the foundation of acquiring and sharing knowledge. Sure there are many people who are very intelligent but do not possess the skills to read and write. But with literacy comes books, a guide to humanity, a web of knowledge passed on for generations, an extension of our minds.
One cannot separate the two, the skills of literacy and the art of literature. And so I call citizens of this land to implement an ‘each one, teach one’ project in your communities or at least in your household. Share a book, sit and read with someone, teach someone how to read or/and write and most importantly promote the advantages of literacy.
There are no limits to our minds and intelligence and so there are no limits to learning, but patience, my friends, is the key. If we all can find the patience and time to sit with someone, anyone to share our knowledge then this nation can finally move on from where it stands today.
This may sound clichéd but it is true and its meaning grows stronger everyday: ‘Knowledge is Power’.
If you can read this then congrats! You have beaten illiteracy, at least half of it; there is still the writing aspect. But there are still many adults out there, who are not literate and are ashamed to admit it because they fear they will be judged or attract negativity. We need to stop stereotyping people who cannot read or write as dunce. This is so not true! They may not have had the opportunity to take hold of the lesson but their minds are just as inquisitive and they can be very witty. But as I said before it is important to share this knowledge.
In his World Literacy Day message to the nation, President Donald Ramotar said that reading with understanding is the basis of learning effectively in all other areas. He is very right! Literature and language develop the mind’s ability to reason and solve problems.
There are so many books to read, and many topics to discuss. May I make a recommendation? We are celebrating Amerindian Heritage Month as part of our nation’s unique ethnic diversity and respect to our ancestors and first people; Do you know why we celebrate this month in the first place? Who we pay homage to on September 10? What are the different tribes of aboriginals? Read up on it!
And if you want a bigger challenge in literacy why not learn sign languages and Braille? Or why not learn a foreign language? These will be more than assist in
developing a country like Guyana that needs to put more emphasis on these skills.
Give a man a fish, feed him for a day… teach a man to fish and feed him for life. Today I say: Read a book to a friend and entertain him for a day, teach someone to read and educate him/her for life!

http://www.stabroeknews.com/20...r-your-literacy-cap/

Give a man a fish, feed him for a day… teach a man to fish and feed him for life. Today I say: Read a book to a friend and entertain him for a day, teach someone to read and educate him/her for life!

How do you define progressive?

I lived long enough to know that is a myth for cooperation and understanding among political parties. The Amaila Hydro Project was a national interest that failed the test in this regard. Since 2011, Guyana's has been dragging through the mud for survival.

Amaila was meant for bringing kick backs to about 5 people. 

Education Ministry mum about non-payment to literacy teachers

 
Literacy teachers across the country are at their wits’ end as the Ministry of Education continues to remain silent on its failure to pay them their monthly stipend, since the commencement of the year, for facilitating remedial classes. However, this state of affairs is not new to some of these teachers who had last year suffered a similar fate as they were not compensated for the entire year until December.
However, an official of the Ministry in an invited comment yesterday was only able to say “we are looking into the issue.”
Attempts earlier in the week were made to solicit a comment from Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, who had promised a reporter attached to this publication that “I will get back to you.” But up to yesterday he had not fulfilled that promise.
Teachers, most of whom are currently not full-time educators, are attached to the Ministry’s Remedial Literacy programme on a contractual basis. They are required to deliver the relevant programmes to primary level students who are regarded as slow learners.
Moreover, sessions usually start at around 14:30 hours, after normal school sessions, and conclude at 16:30 hours.  The remedial programme commenced some six years ago and is headed by National Literacy Coordinator, Murray Greenidge, who has not been available for a comment.
Several teachers facing the dilemma this year have reported to this publication that although they had not been paid for the past months, they have not been afforded an explanation from the Coordinator. However, Kaieteur News was informed by some teachers that although they were initially required to sign an annual contract, it was only in April of this year that they were told that the contract period had been reduced to six months.
“Mr Greenidge himself, four months into the year, came and told us that our contract is no longer for one year. He had nothing to say about why we are not being paid,” disclosed one worried teacher who said that she has since stopped facilitating classes.
“They can’t expect me to continue offering my service when they can’t pay me this small stipend…My husband isn’t even working right now and I simply cannot afford to do this for free anymore,” the teacher lamented.
Teachers contracted to administer lessons are paid a total of $30,000 per month but are in receipt of $28,440 after NIS is deducted. As part of their contractual agreement they are required to facilitate sessions four days per week.