Tain Campus needs relatively equal attention in renaissance

Dear Editor,
A worrying feature of the VC’s inaugural edition of Renaissance newsletter is that virtually nothing is said about the Berbice campus other than the name — which reflects a continued marginalisation of this campus as happened under the PPP/C.
Is the University of Guyana Georgetown centric? There needs to be an explanation from the VC and staff for this omission. As one NY-based scholar, on reflection on the newsletter asks: “Is there a grand design to promote an Afro-centric view at UG and to further marginalise Indians and other ethnic groups? Is that why Vice Chancellor Ivelaw Griffith was hired at UG?”
It is noted that there is a large picture of the Turkeyen campus. But a photo of Tain was virtually non-existent other than by a passing reference to its name. Why was there no promotion of the university inclusive of Tain? Why was the Director of Tain Campus not in the Renaissance? Is Tain a stepchild as it was under the PPP/C?
It should be noted that it was Indian rights advocates like Ravi Dev, Baytoram Ramharack, Rhyaan Shah, and others who championed the setting up of the Tain campus much to the extreme opposition of the PPP leadership. PPP was pressured to establish the campus on the Corentyne and a branch in Anna Regina. It was suggested to the PPP that Tain be an autonomous campus running its own affairs. But PPP/C Government was opposed to the idea fearing a lack of control over it.
The PPP always feared an educated polity.
In fact, PPP was opposed to a Berbice campus from the very outset the idea was proposed but caved in when the party feared loss of political support among Berbicians who were flocking to ROAR and independent groups and individuals.
Tain Directors, Profs Parasram Thakur and Daizal Samad were not empowered to transform Tain into a model campus. PPP was not supportive of plans to grant some autonomy in decision making and hiring.
Obstacles to success were placed in the path by the Turkeyen-controlled board causing the Tain directors to leave in frustration. The PPP was not very supportive of Tain and that has now continued under the coalition and by extension the new VC appointed by the coalition.
The VC should encourage and support a publication at Tain that addresses issues pertaining to that campus since Tain is not in the VC’s focus. Prof Griffith should encourage the coalition government to grant autonomy to Tain since the PPP has failed the rural campus, and he should also suggest a campus in Essequibo.
As someone who has been involved in several publications since the 1970s, including student newsletters at CCNY and CUNY Grad School and as a faculty in secondary school, much work needs to be done in making the newsletter a true reflection of Renaissance to bring people together.
Unless there is ethnic balance and equity in Renaissance, then UG will not make much progress regardless of the amount of funds expended. This inaugural issue of Renaissance, unfortunately, will lead to more ethnic alienation and disharmony if not corrected. The VC, myself and other academics should use our influence and publications to help build a harmonious society free of bias.
And the VC can start with a bias free newsletter.

Yours truly,
Dr Vishnu Bisram