UNC calls for transparency in schols distribution

TABAQUITE MP Anita Haynes on Sunday questioned whether there would be transparency and accountability in the distribution of scholarships and bursaries to students who successfully sit the CAPE examination during the covid19 pandemic.

Addressing a news conference at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Port of Spain, Haynes said it was not illogical for there to be a reduction in the distribution of scholarships and bursaries to students because of economic constraints caused by the pandemic.

She said the UNC remains firmly committed to “equity of access in our education spaces, equitable access for all students.” Referring to the CAPE examinations which took place in July-August 2020, Haynes recalled that last November, the Education Ministry announced a reduced number of scholarships and a new national bursary programme.

“That means the students who are now being awarded a scholarship or asked to access a national bursary, would have written an exam, not knowing this would be the process at that time.”

Haynes said for some students, this is their only avenue to further their education. She said the ministry said 100 scholarships would be awarded for academic excellence while 400 would be awarded through the latter programme.

After noting the ministry is expected to provide more details about the national bursaries’ programme on Monday, Haynes said TT experienced a questionable scholarship programme in 2006 out of the Culture Ministry.

She claimed information on the scholarship recipients was kept secret but subsequently some of the recipients were identified as people who had “particular affiliations.” Haynes added that she recently heard a story of a student who qualified for a scholarship but was unable to receive it. She hoped this was not a case of a “who you know culture.”

Stressing that education remains a critical investment, even in the middle of a pandemic, Haynes said, “You will only see returns (on the investment, if the investment is done wisely, equitably and in the full transparency and accountability to the people of TT.”