Public demonstrations against “added burdens” have now emerged as a norm, and businessman Roshan Khan took to the streets to bring the curtains down on his demonstrations against the added taxation on private education.
The activist led a one-man protest on Tuesday to conclude his series of demonstrations in front of the Finance Ministry against the imposition of VAT on private education.
Roshan Khan the lone protester on the picket line on Tuesday
After several gatherings at major public offices such as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA); the Ministry of the Presidency and the Finance Ministry, Khan has announced that he would no longer be on the forefront of the rallies. This decision to draw the line on his protesting against VAT on education was taken just days after the President announced the implications of such calls for public demonstrations.
However, Khan pointed out that the masses were successful in bringing attention to the consequences of VAT on private education. He noted that the demonstrations have garnered attention from the highest offices given the many conversations and even actions taken since the commencement of the protest action. He alluded to President David Granger’s previous move to dissolve the tax on private education as a sign of progress, but expressed disappointment given that it was yet to be reversed.
In an interview with Guyana Times, Khan explained that he was sympathetic towards those affected by the added taxes, especially the less fortunate, who are now burdened with additional expenses on their already stifling budget. Furthermore, he is particularly enraged with the Government’s decision to withdraw its announcement of the ending of this terror, pinning the blame on the school administrations for not being tax compliant. Khan sees the action of forcing students to pay simply because of the schools’ delinquencies as an unjustified act of revenge. Moreover, he questioned why actions were not taken against the schools by the relevant authorities rather than bombarding the students with an increase in their fees.
The effects of the move to charge VAT on private education were highlighted by the concerned activist. It was indicated that students were now contemplating several escapes from the current situation which include migrating to other countries in search of more lucrative opportunities.
“The Government needs to realise that these students will soon be voters.” He believes he stands alone in this realisation, especially since the country still awaits movements to correct this hindrance in the accessing of education at private institutions in Guyana. Khan noted that the poor turnout to Tuesday’s protest was as a result of the recent celebrations of the national holiday and the fact it was the final engagement of his campaign. Nonetheless, the lone protester took the opportunity to express appreciation to the media for the exposure which significantly contributed to the success of the public outcry. Although, he will no longer be leading protests against VAT on education, Khan is likely to support other individuals who are willing to take a stand. (Ashraf Dabie)
