But the Minister, Dr Henry Jeffrey acknowledged that Guyana’s economic situation cannot compete with more “enticing” offers made to them and can only work with the existing resources.

Speaking on the Government Information Agency (GINA) broadcast programme ‘Answers’, he said, last weekend, that among the incentives being offered to encourage teachers are house lots, “hardlying” allowances and more for those with additional qualifications.

However, many have still left to take jobs in other countries, leaving the sector somewhat at a disadvantage and possibly with one reason why parents are moving their children to private schools in a fast becoming common feature in the education system.

Minister Jeffrey said more than $1M has already been spent the Education Management System (EMS) which is aimed at better managing schools nationwide with greater coordination.

“We make and monitor education policies, but it is up to the Regions to ensure that it is implemented in those Regions and what we are doing is taking the actual management of schools closer to the school and allowing the individual Region to work,” the Minister explained.

He said each Region has a working Education Committee, which is a sub-committee of the Regional Council and, within that committee, a Regional Education Officer is tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that policies are implemented.

“It would not be logical for us to make as well as implement the policies. It would defeat the purpose,” Jeffrey argued.

He said coinciding with the attempt at improving the management is the inspection being done by School Inspectors, whose reports will be made available to both officials and members of the community.