THE Guyana National Newspapers Ltd (GNNL) on Monday held its Annual Bursary Awards ceremony, and 11 students were awarded for creditable performances at the National Grade Six Assessment.
The ceremony was held at the head office of the state-owned newspaper, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown, and the students, who are children of the company’s employees and vendors, each received a cheque for $7,000.
The students, drawn from eight households, are as follows: Anarese J. Walls and Andre J. Walls – children of Andre Walls, Circulation Assistant; Okeisha R. Murle and Bevan Murle – offspring of Sharon Gill, Cleaner; Joseph J. Gibbons and Nekeisha Gibbons – offspring of Kinsell Gibbons, Pressman; Akeena Chesney , daughter of Christine Jackson, Confidential Secretary; Aba A. Crawford, daughter of Paulette Williams, Cleaner; Ahkeel Yohance Butts, son of Jermaine Butts; Kandé Gordon, daughter of General Manager, Michael Gordon; and Veronica Leach, daughter of James Leach, Handyman.
The bursaries will each run for five years. Of the students who received bursaries yesterday, three were first-year awardees; one, second year; two third year; four fourth year and one fifth year.
Cheques for awardees who were unable to attend the presentation were uplifted by their parents.
Chairing the programme was Administrative Manager, Colin Alfred, while Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Mrs. Marcia Nadir-Sharma and the GM addressed the gathering, each offering words of commendation and encouragement to the students.
Ms. Nadir-Sharma welcomed the first-year awardees on board, while urging all assembled to place a high premium on education, which is the key to life and which remains with them for life, regardless of whatever is taken away. She urged that as they go through life, they strike the balance: “Work hard, play hard and study hard,” and never to lose faith.
The Chair also thanked and congratulated the parents for the part they played in every way, towards ensuring the children’s success, educationally and otherwise.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gordon called for a round of applause for the success scored by the students, while taking the opportunity to personally congratulate them all.
Noting that the GNNL has never failed to recognise the offspring of their staff, Mr Gordon said it is the policy of the company as a good corporate citizen, to offer moral support by “giving back.”
He alluded to every worker within the company as a “valued employee” and said that the GNNL has systems in place to tangibly demonstrate this. To this end, the GM cited the company’s Welfare Scheme, through which staff may access loans, among other incentives available.
Mr. Gordon also expressed appreciation for, and credited the contribution of vendors who continue to work assiduously – regardless of the weather, getting the newspapers out to customers on time and without fail.
Also present at the ceremony were: Editor-in-Chief Mr. Mark Ramotar; Finance Controller Mrs. Moshamie Ramotar; Mrs. Michael Gordon, wife of the General Manager; and Mr. Calvin Marks, Marketing Manager.
