MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Kellawan Lall, reiterated government’s commitment to improve the lives of residents in hinterland communities, during his recent visit to Region 8 (Potaro/Siparuni).

Students studying at Paramakatoi Secondary School Library

He was accompanied by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Mr. Seewchan, Regional Chairman Senor Bell, and People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Albert Atkinson.

The team met with residents of Paramakatoi and Kato.

At Paramakatoi, Lall met with teachers of the Paramakatoi Secondary School and was apprised by headmistress, Ms. Iola John of issues of concern to the school. She said the school needs to be extended to provide more accommodation, as its enrollment has increased to some 428 students.

The issue of building a secondary school at Kato was raised by the teachers, who said that this will be more helpful for students from far off villages. The idea of making the Paramakatoi Secondary School an intermediate tertiary centre was raised.

Minister of Local Gov’t and Regional Development Kellawan Lall speaking to residents and teachers at Paramakatoi

With regards to expanding the Paramakatoi Secondary School, Lall said that it has to be determined whether expansion is the way to go because the school has undergone several expansions over the years. He told them that he will be discussing the issue with the Minister of Education.

Lall expressed gratitude to the teachers and noted that they are doing a good job. The school is regarded as one of the highest secondary school in the Region, producing good CSEC results.

The Local Government Minister informed the residents of government’s plan to further develop the education sector in the country, including that of achieving universal secondary education within the next six years.

Government has been spending significant sums in the education sector which has the highest allocation. In the 2009 budget, a sum of $20.4B has been allocated to the education sector. Out of that sum, $276.4M is for the delivery of education in Region Eight.

Extensions will be done to the Waipa and Madhia Nursery Schools and teacher’s quarters at Murawa and Sand Hill are to be constructed. More sanitary blocks will be built as well.

Despite the problems facing the sector, Lall said that government has been placing more emphasis on training a larger number of teachers, and building and extending more schools.

Through collaboration between the Education and Local Government Ministries, each school will be given grants to help them undertake smaller capital works, Lall explained. He pointed out that Government is moving towards a community based education system.

“You have to make it clear to the parents that they have to be involved,” Lall urged the teachers.

The residents were also briefed on Government’s plan to ensure that their lives are improved. Minister Lall encouraged residents to assist in the development of their community.

“You need to take possession of your community developmental process and make decisions for yourselves, this will help to solve many of the local problems,” Lall exhorted.

Meanwhile, at the Paramakatoi Nursery School, he promised to provide the necessary teaching aids for the students and will be purchasing two batteries for the provision of electricity to the school. (GINA)