| A $95.4-million-dollar state-of-the- art Hinterland Scholarship Students’ Dormitory, funded by the government, was commissioned on Friday evening by President Bharrat Jagdeo at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. |
The commissioning of this facility coincides with the Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations, which are being observed under the theme: “Promoting sustainable livelihood and cultural heritage, while transforming our village economies”.
The facility will accommodate 120 students, comprising 78 females and 42 males. It includes a library, which will be fully powered by “ e- magine” Internet service provided by Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited ( GT& T); utility areas; the administrative bloc, and other modern amenities.
In his presentation to the gathering, President Jagdeo noted that he is extremely happy that his government continues to assist the hinterland students in fulfilling their dreams of having access to education from primary through tertiary levels.
He said that hinterland students are very often short-changed because of their geographic locations, but his government will make sure that these students are given equal access to education, even if it means building more new dormitories to facilitate this commitment.
The president noted that it is the government’s priority to enhance education standards, particularly in the secondary and tertiary levels, for every child, regardless of their origin.
Jagdeo highlighted that, with the new technological developments and economic transformation on the edge, hinterland students will be able to have a decent life, once they are provided with the necessary support.
He said that the government has allotted $2billion to fix roads in the hinterland, and has expended a large sum of money on improving the health care services to citizens in the hinterland communities.
Jagdeo said the time has come for Guyanese to preserve and expand on their cultures, and try to reclaim what was lost due to Westernisation.
The president emphasised that he is proud to see the development of Amerindians, who have integrated themselves well as leaders. He explained that he is happy to see many Amerindians becoming teachers, soldiers, doctors, and journalists, among other professions, which is a sign that the government is providing the necessary support for this to be realised.
He referred to Guyana’s first female Foreign Affairs Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, and the late Education Minister, Dr Desrey Fox, who he said served and is still serving Guyana well, as examples of Amerindian leaders. He encouraged other Amerindians to follow in their footsteps.
The president noted that a number of Amerindian students are attending the Cyril Potter College of Education, Guyana School of Agriculture, and other institutions, and doing well. He said that this success comes with tremendous sacrifices, and he emphasised that the newly-constructed dormitory will assist in continuous progress.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to make full use of the facility, since they will be living with other children from various villages in a comfortable environment, which will cater for greater success.
Meanwhile, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, in her address, highlighted the success of students who have been awarded scholarships thorough the National Scholarship Programme.
She congratulated the top national scholarship student at the recently-completed Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), Treasure James, who secured eight grade ones and one grade two.
She said that, after 1992, the education system, especially in the hinterland areas, made a drastic turnaround and has been blossoming.
Sukhai noted that, prior to 1992, two secondary schools were built to facilitate secondary education, but now there are 10 secondary schools in the hinterland.
These schools, she said, are strategically located at Santa Rosa; Sand Creek; Three Miles, Bartica, and other areas. She explained that 96 percent of these students are Amerindians.
