Minister of Education Sonia Parag on Monday mounted a detailed defence of the government’s education agenda during the 2026 National Budget debate, directly rebutting claims made by opposition education spokespeople Dr. Gordon Barker and Coretta McDonald, while accusing the opposition of advancing misinformation and double standards.
A central feature of Parag’s presentation was her response to criticism of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), a flagship programme launched in 2021.
She noted that while Dr. Gordon Barker, a shadow education minister, had described the programme as an “atrocity,” his own academic qualifications were obtained through the same platform.
According to Parag, Barker earned his undergraduate degree via the Guyana Online Academy of Learning and later pursued doctoral studies through the programme.
The minister said the criticism reflected “a clear double standard,” noting that the programme has enrolled more than 4,000 Guyanese since inception and is projected to see approximately 6,000 graduates by 2025.
The GOAL programme, she added, was designed to expand access to tertiary education, particularly for working adults and those outside the traditional university system.
Parag,Parag, presenting her seventh budget contribution, also strongly defended the $7 billion allocation for the National School Feeding Programme, which has been criticised by the opposition on cost and quality grounds.
She described the programme as one of the most impactful social interventions in the education sector, particularly for children in hinterland and rural communities who rely on school meals as a key source of daily nutrition.
The programme currently provides breakfast and hot meals to students nationwide and supports more than 300 community-based caterers, many from hinterland areas.
Parag said the government is working with the Carnegie School of Home Economics to improve nutritional standards, in line with commitments made in the ruling party’s manifesto.
She rejected claims circulating on social media that meals were substandard, arguing that isolated images were being used to create misleading narratives.
Responding to claims by opposition MP Coretta McDonald regarding education spending, infrastructure conditions, and examination outcomes, Parag said several figures cited during the debate were inaccurate or taken out of context.
She acknowledged that some schools face infrastructure challenges but said maintenance and rehabilitation are ongoing and accounted for in both national and regional budgets.
The minister said the education sector remains one of the largest recipients of public funding and outlined significant investments since 2020, including:
- Construction of new nursery, primary, and secondary schools
- Rehabilitation and expansion of dozens of existing facilities
- Allocation of $24.3 billion in 2026 to complete more than 40 schools
- Targeted expansion in hinterland and riverain regions
Parag also said Guyana is on track to achieve universal access to secondary education in 2026, building on universal primary access already secured.
Addressing concerns raised about teacher promotions and vacancies, Parag clarified that the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) operates as an independent constitutional body.
She noted that 1,500 new senior teaching vacancies have been identified for 2026 and that hinterland teachers continue to receive hardship, station, and remote allowances.
Parag also referenced an existing multi-year agreement with the Guyana Teachers’ Union, covering salary increases through 2026.
Opposition MPs Coretta McDonald (APNU) and Dr. Gordon Barker (WIN), both shadow education ministers, raised concerns about the proportional share of education spending within the national budget, school infrastructure conditions, teacher compensation, and programme oversight.
McDonald argued that education allocations have not kept pace with overall budget growth, while Barker questioned aspects of programme management and regional breakdowns of capital projects.
The government maintains that these issues are being addressed through phased investments, institutional reforms, and expanded access initiatives.
Concluding her presentation, Parag said the 2026 budget marks the first year of a new five-year education plan focused on access, equity, infrastructure, and student welfare.
She said debates over figures and programmes must ultimately be measured against outcomes for students, teachers, and communities.
“Education is a continuous journey—from nursery to tertiary—and this government is committed to ensuring that no child is left behind,” Parag told the House.
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