IN a move aimed at redefining the role of the NDC in the life blood of the community, the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Bartica Neighbourhood Democratic Council on Friday honoured students from the primary and secondary levels who would have performed exceptionally at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations and the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations.

The early-morning commemoration celebrated top performers in a ceremony which saw representation from IMC Chairman, Mr. Ovid Benjamin, Regional Executive Officer of Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Mr. Peter Ramotar, and other officials from the RDC and the NDC.

Speaking at the event, Benjamin noted that this is the first time in the history of the NDC that it has ever undertaken such an initiative. The NDC Chairman said this goes to show that “the NDC is not only interested [in]…garbage [and] drains”, but also in educational development, and even in security.

The IMC Chairman was confident that the students were deserving of the awards, since they as well as the rest of the region would have performed “exceptionally well.” He further commented that such a move by the NDC allows for other students to be “encouraged to study even harder, so they also can be recipients of such awards.”

Asked whether it is common for NDCs to host such events, the Chairman responded in the negative. He noted he is unaware of any other NDC that has made such a move, but expressed commitment of the Bartica NDC to advancing education in the region.

In a comment invited by the Guyana Chronicle, Region 7 Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Peter Ramotar complimented the IMC for their proactive role in the community. “[I] think that it is a good gesture to encourage the youngsters and to tell them that it is not the end [but instead], it is the beginning.”

The REO alluded to the fact that despite the presence of some outstanding students who have performed exceedingly well in the region, “there is a missing component somewhere.”

According to Ramotar, the investment of central government in the region’s education drive is not the issue, but rather it is the “missing component.” He called for parents to have an increased role in developing education.

Also addressing the gathering was Mrs. Audrey Jones, who, speaking on behalf of Regional Education Officer, Charles Holmes, encouraged the high-flying CSEC students to give back to their community in some way.

She opined that they could begin “by giving at least one year of service to their school,” and added specifically that there is need for more teachers in the region’s education system.
Speaking with the honourees, Antonio Jones of the Three Miles Secondary School, who attained six grade ones, four grade twos and two grades threes, expressed his appreciation that the NDC had sought to acknowledge the hard work of top performers.

While he said that he didn’t find CXC to be challenging, he is looking forward to greater challenges and accomplishments as he hopes to gain a scholarship to further his studies in the medical field.

With the prized element of self discipline, Three Miles Secondary School top performer, Lorenzo Jacobis managed to attain seven grade ones, four grade twos and one grade three.

He commented that, unlike the usual regimen of sleepless nights and early morning studying, he adopted a routine of quick revision, but managed to retain large amounts of information.

Jacobis said his usual activities after exams included some alone time with his PlayStation 3, but he nevertheless boasted of the ability to limit himself. It seems his self-discipline has met the test.

Other Three Miles student, Ms. Kimberly Paul said she had put in a substantial amount of work, studying late at nights and early in the mornings. She offered a positive message to students who are preparing to sit exams next year, advising that they “stay focused and don’t let anything distract them.”

Asked about her next move in life, Paul disclosed that she is currently a teacher at the High Achiever’s Institute of Learning in Bartica, but next year she hopes, like her colleague, to further her studies in the field of Medicine.

Speaking with the top performers, it is evident that there was a distinct individuality about their study regimen, and their approaches to life; nonetheless, their accomplishments are well noted.

Also receiving awards were Dexter Baptiste, Daniel Heyliger and Sarah David, all of the Bartica Secondary School; and Ruby Hodge and Ravi Ramdass of St. Anthony’s Primary School and of High Achievers private school respectively.

The Bartica NDC IMC is looking to extend its awards on Monday, honouring students from Waramadong in Region 7. Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Mr. Norman Whittaker had recently commended the NDC for being the only one of its kind to have budgeted for such a celebration of top academic performers.

(By Derwayne Wills)