The opposition party A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has raised significant concerns regarding the Guyana government’s agreement with Coursera to provide upskilling courses for public servants. APNU’s parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul announced that a meeting of 12 parliamentarians would determine the best approach to address the issue, whether through a motion, parliamentary questions, or direct engagement with relevant ministries. Mahipaul emphasized that if the government seeks supplementary funding for Coursera, APNU will rigorously question the necessity and effectiveness of the programs. APNU’s statement highlighted the lack of transparency in the contract, including undisclosed costs, procurement methods, and data protection measures for public servants’ personal information. Minister of Public Service and Government Efficiency Zulfikar Ally has yet to respond to these allegations. APNU also criticized the government for adding another standalone program to an already fragmented training landscape, questioning how Coursera aligns with existing initiatives like the University of Guyana and the Guyana Online Academy (GOAL) scholarships. Shadow Education Minister Coretta Mc Donald argued that Coursera’s courses are inadequate for developing the necessary skills and values in Guyanese public servants, advocating instead for the reopening of the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service, which was closed in 2021. Mc Donald emphasized the need for a national institution that fosters professional development, integrity, and patriotism, qualities she believes Coursera cannot provide.
APNU to map strategy to tackle govt for info on Coursera’s contract with govt; Mc Donald says courses unsuitable for public servants
