Former Education Minister Dr. Tim Gopiesingh has described as diabolical the government’s decision to significantly reduce the number of scholarships awarded annually.

Dr. Gopiesingh sees gate cutbacks as dangerous and a slap in the face of the education system.

He said last night the move by the government could not have come at a worse time for students and families.

At a virtual meeting of the United National Congress, Dr. Gopiesingh said the reduction of national scholarships from 400 to 100, may even be illegal.

Dr. Gopiesingh said no details have come from the Ministry of Education regarding criteria for the new and adjusted systems.

He said it appears to be another plot by the Rowley administration to dismantle and destroy what is beneficial to thousands of students.

And leader of the UNC Kamla Persad Bissessar said the Education Minister should be ashamed.

The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association has also expressed concerns about the announced cutbacks.

It was Education Minister Dr. Nyan Gadsby Dolly who unveiled the adjustments to GATE and the National Scholarships last Friday.