Latest update March 21st, 2025 7:03 AM
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New wings commissioned at three Berbice schools
Three Berbice schools are now in a better position to cater for the increased capacity in their respective institutions following the commissioning of new wings to the total cost of $30.7M at the schools.
The schools are Berbice High and Tutorial Academy Secondary in New Amsterdam and Tagore Memorial Secondary on the Upper Corentyne.
A student cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the Berbice High School.
The commissioning ceremony was undertaken by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Ganga Persaud and representatives of the Regional Administration and Department of Education, Region Six.
Speaking at the various ceremonies, Minister Persaud stated that the commissioning of the projects shows government’s commitment to effective education delivery which is taking place all over the country. He said that Government’s faith in education remains strong. “One of the basic staples that Government will provide for its citizens is the ingredients for education.”
He noted that Region Six continues to get assistance from Government and they are happy that things are improving.
There are 1,572 teachers scattered in 151 schools across the region, 28 of which are secondary schools.
Persaud also took the opportunity to call on those present at all of the venues to care the facilities. “The government is spending a lot of money to provide these facilities for you and we are asking you to care them. If you don’t care them you will not only be doing yourself a great injustice, but the community, the government and those who are to come after you.” He admonished.
The Berbice High School (BHS) project which saw a two storey structure being commissioned was built at a cost of over $12.3M. Speaking at the BHS ceremony, head teacher Jenifer Rollins stated that the facility which will house six class rooms is a great relief to the school and will be put into use right away.
At the Tutorial Academy at Stanleytown, a one flat building which will house a further three classrooms was commissioned at the cost of $10.2M.
However all was not well at the ceremony as was stated by the President of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA). Speaking at the ceremony PTA President Odetta Felix did not hold back as she expressed her disgust at not being consulted on the project. Despite the government publicly stating that the PTA’s will be informed and involved in projects of such magnitude at schools, they were not informed or consulted, she stated.
She expressed concern that the location of the building was not ideal, stating that it was definitely not the best site. The PTA head said that they felt ‘left out’ and should have been asked what was best for the school.
Her concerns were addressed by both Minister Persaud and Deputy Regional Executive Officer Imran Ally who stated that they were sure that the relevant stakeholders involved in the project were competent in making the right decisions. The Minister also said that projects such as those usually include mass involvement and consultations and starts from the bottom, and it was unfortunate that the PTA was not involved.
Meanwhile the project at Tagore Memorial Secondary was done to the cost of $8.2 M. That building will house three classrooms.
Also speaking at the Ceremonies were Vice Chairman of Region Six Bhopaul Jagroo and Deputy Regional Executive Officer Imran Ally. Regional Education Officer, Valika Jaikishun, and the various head teachers.
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