I AM A 2005 graduate with a joint degree from the University of the West Indies and the University of Technology in hospitality and tourism management. I was out of work for at least one year after my graduation.

The Students' Loan Bureau (SLB) only gives you six months before repayment should begin. I tried contacting it for an extension, but this was futile. So, I started accruing late payments. Even after I started working, it took a while to catch up on payments, since I was so far behind and the initial payments made are for so-called insurance. SLB talks about how much it is in trouble and people do not repay loans but it appears to be unwilling to work with individuals trying to pay off their loans.

It gives students 10 years to repay loans, and this includes the four years you are in university. If I was a full-time student and taking a loan, how do you expect me to start making payments while studying? I think it makes the conditions so people will fail to repay loans so it can get the late fees.

If this is to work out for both parties, SLB needs to revisit its policies. Don't start charging interests while students are in school, and give students a fighting chance by allowing probably 10 years from graduation to make payments. Last, but not least, SLB must work with persons trying to make payments.

I am, etc.,

Cindy Bailey

cbailey2@sovereignbank.com