G.A.T.E -- T&T says NO to the recommendations of the task force for the (GATE) programme

As citizens of Trinidad and Tibago we strongly disagree with the recommendations that included students paying 1/3 of tuition fees for Undergraduates and 100% for Post Graduate in the report by the task force on the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) programme.

This report was handed over to Education Minister Anthony Garcia last week.

GATE was implemented under late prime minister Patrick Manning in 2004, with a vision to emancipate citizens by funding free tertiary education in the country and a great vision it is.

Trinidad and Tobago is on the world map with many intellectuals who would not have reached where they are had it not been for the wise use of our taxpayers money to invest in the education.

Many of out people are now competitive worldwide and this can only do great things for us as a nation.

Many poor families who were hindered by financial constraints have been able to see their children off to great starts, instead of turning to crime as a means of survival.

We accepted fuel raise, we accepted vat on zero-rated items but we say no to the interference with a level playing field for educating our citizens.