Living in Region Two, the predominantly agricultural region known as the Pomeroon-Supenaam, the start to a successful future for 19-year-old Maheepa Ramballie was naturally to enroll at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA).
This resident of Better Success village, Essequibo Coast was recently awarded the Chairman’s Prize for his overall outstanding performance at the Guyana School of Agriculture Essequibo branch, where he was recognised as the best graduating student, earning himself a diploma in Agriculture and a certificate in Water Management after studying for two years.
Speaking with this newspaper, Ramballie said Essequibo youths, particularly those who recently left secondary school, should pursue their tertiary education at the GSA, particularly in efforts to help develop agriculture in Region Two. He has described this institution as a “blessing”, and said persons should embrace the opportunity to enroll at the institution.
Expressing satisfaction at his achievement, Ramballie said, “I am very much elated at my performance! There were many challenges, but I knew I had to conquer them. I think I was successful in the course because I was focused, I laid my foundation.” His parents, Mahendra and Ravenna Ramballie, are elated at their son’s performance. Moreover, the teenager hopes to one day fulfill his dream of becoming a career agronomist.
“I believe a career as an agronomist would help farmers tremendously. My father happens to be a rice farmer; I can even work along with him, taking the steps towards increasing production. I would encourage the younger folks to explore the agro-sector in an effort to improve it. It’s a sector that we can bring into the scientific world. Our farmers need us,” he declared.
There is no branch of the University of Guyana established on the Essequibo, but Maheepa is confident that his decision to enroll with the GSA has drawn him closer to his dream career.
“This diploma I can use at the University of Guyana as it relates to reducing the years of study. It also offers exemption for some courses. Then there are promising careers that await me in the agro sector,” he explained.
Principal of the GSA, Horatio Ramdass, has said the Essequibo Branch of the GSA supports the younger population who may feel the need to take up careers in agriculture. (Indrawattie Natram)
