The workers and student bodies of the University of Guyana (UG) on Thursday came together on the Turkeyen campus to protest the dismissal of political science lecturer and columnist Freddie Kissoon

About 60 persons gathered during the lunch break bearing placards and chanting against what they saw as the unfair sacking of Kissoon who had been with the institution for more than 25 years and has been a staunch critic of the successive PPP/C administrations.

While the UG Council which voted to terminate his contract has been mum on its reasons, sources have said the body’s decision was based on concerns about the quality of Kissoon’s work and classroom conduct. But he has maintained that he is qualified, experienced and has conducted adequate research.

“I think the concern is the inconsistency in the treatment of Freddie; we for a fact know that there are similar issues dealt with quite differently. It has left us to speculate or assume that it is more than what is being said is the reason for Freddie’s contract being terminated,” Faculty of Social Sciences’ lecturer Hector Edwards told reporters.

Hector Edwards

According to him, he does not think the reasons being put forward can be justified. He added that there is also concern the Council’s approach to the matter undermines the institution.

“Some lecturers feel that this is the start of a dismantling of the University and so things can get much worse,” Edwards said.  He added that there seems to be a loss of direction at the institution and they need to ensure that it serves the nation and not narrow personal objectives.

In addition to using his Kaieteur News column to criticize the government regularly Kissoon also appeared on the AFC platform for the 2011 elections and his firing is being seen in some quarters as payback. The government on Wednesday dubbed this a “gross misrepresentation.”

According to Edwards, the workers needed to get out and let their voices be heard or else “anything can happen.”

He noted that up to Wednesday a replacement lecturer had not been secured to teach the classes Kissoon would have carried.

“I can say come Monday when the semester commences those classes will not commence.”

UGSS president Duane Edwards, meanwhile, took the opportunity to point out that there are many persons employed as lecturers with first degrees who are apparently replacing those with Masters and doctorates.

“A large portion of the academic community at the University of Guyana don’t really meet the academic   requirements to lecture certain courses. We have a situation where persons came in with a Bachelors in Social Sciences and they are supervising research work for final year students, that’s unacceptable anywhere,” the student body leader said.

According to him, it is such issues that led to the UGSS joining the protest.

Picketers were drawn from the UG Students Society, the Workers Union and the Senior Staff Association and they were also joined by members of the AFC and other social commentators.

They are planning to picket again on Monday when UG reopens.