– attorney general urges students to strive for excellence, remain focused
Yogeeta Persaud (right) and Zimeena Rasheed (second left)
A paradigm shift is taking place in Guyana which has seen significant and historic improvements in the quality of education being delivered at the nursery, primary and secondary levels, and government will not lose sight of its aim to develop the socio-economic condition of its people.
This is the position of Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, who recently delivered the feature address at the 35th Graduation and Prize Giving Ceremony of the Anna Regina Multilateral School last Friday afternoon.
Nandlall said government was extremely proud of the gains made in the education sector as it continues to plug more than one-third of its budgetary allocation to improve access to education and the overall social development of all Guyanese, especially youth and children.
“Indeed, in the year 2013, the education sector received the largest singular budgetary allocation,” he explained.
The minister reported that he was extremely proud that the country’s students continue to create history in the sector by outperforming their regional counterparts at examinations and competitions, which in itself, is testimony to the amount of attention and commitment that exists as far as improving the quality of education delivered to the nation’s youth is concerned.
He said the accomplishments at the last Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations were neither ordinary nor coincidental as he underscored the importance of understanding the journey that education has travelled to be where it is today.
Significant change
The attorney general recalled a period when chalk was not even available in the schools and when more than half of the students writing the then Common Entrance Examinations could not find placements at secondary schools to continue their studies and were allegedly systematically failed.
He said the country’s education sector was in a bad state and because of poor planning and misuse of resources; many accomplishments could not have been achieved before the ruling administration took office.
“Unless we reflect on the times past to understand where we were and where we are now, we will never be able to appreciate our accomplishments,” he emphasised.
Minister Nandlall said gone are the days when only an elite few were the beneficiaries of a quality education because of issues of affordability, status and urbanisation. He pointed out that government has worked hard to ensure that even the poorest of Guyana’s poor is entitled to and can access a modern education.
“We are celebrating the success of that paradigm shift today,” he stated.
In congratulating Region Two for its exceptional showing at the recent CSEC examinations, Nandlall said there must be no room for complacency and time wasting as the business of education delivery must reach new heights.
Positive reflection
He said that the Anna Regina Multilateral School reflects the paradigm shift that has taken place in the education system, considering the constant gains that it has made as far as inculcating well rounded systems into society.
“This school has moved from a mere vocational and technical school to a supreme centre of excellence for not only Guyana, but the Caribbean, considering this year’s historic achievements,” the minister said passionately.
He said the school must now address the other concerns and challenges that may be impeding its growth and development to achieve sustainable results and an even higher calibre of students who will ensure that Guyana’s flag remains high.
The minister recognised the extra-ordinary efforts of a remarkable complement of teachers who would have contributed significantly to the students’ success. He congratulated the parents whose sacrifices, financial support and guidance made this success possible.
Nandlall said that all Guyana is proud of the academic achievements of Yogeeta Persaud and Zimeena Rasheed who copped awards for the Best Overall CSEC Student in the Caribbean and Best Technical Vocational CSEC Student respectively.
