THE New Amsterdam Secondary School (NAMS), which executes a multilateral programme, has, once again, etched its name into the record books by equipping 190 students with the relevant academic skills to seek employment or pursue higher learning.

At the 2013 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, candidates were tested in 31 subject areas and the school recorded an overall pass rate of 84.5 percent – grades one to three.
The school secured 481 grade one passes overall, with 183 distinctions; 89 students passed in 10 or more subjects, with Michael Harris emerging the top student with 10 passes.
He got nine distinctions, including Mathematics and English ‘A’, which was revealed on Thursday, at the 26th annual graduation and prize-giving ceremony, where the achievements and future plans of the institution were highlighted.
On that occasion, Technical Assistant in the Ministry of Education and Coordinator of the School Boards Secretariat, Mrs. Melcita Bovell informed the gathering that the Government of Guyana understands the importance of developing human capital and that is why the education sector has the largest budget in the country.
“It is the efforts of the Ministry of Education to ensure or to move towards equity. One of the things that we understand is that Guyana cannot be developed in parts, it has to be developed holistically and, in actual fact, you mostly get what you need to enhance the learning process,” she explained.
Elaborating on the work of the Ministry in providing the relevant trained personnel and materials to create a conducive learning environment, which will contribute to better examination results, Bovell urged the Class of 2013 to make full use of their recently acquired skills to contribute to the development of Guyana.
The crossroads
“You students are at the crossroads of your life; you are now at a place where you can now ask yourselves: where do I want to be in this new Guyana?
“Do you want to find yourselves at the front of the line or struggling at the tail end?” she asked rhetorically.
Bovell challenged the students to work towards common goals in achieving success, adding:”The answers to many of the questions you have will determine the amount of effort that you are going to make in your lives. You are the people who are going to develop this country and we need to be assured that our country is in good hands.”
Acting Principal of the school, Mr. Narine Datt Dhanraj, in his remarks, noted that the results of the 2013 CSEC and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) have proven that NAMS is still among the nation’s top senior secondary schools and has maintained its position as the number one such institution in Region 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne).
“This school has a proud history of committed staff working to achieve the best results and, with their support, we challenge the regional education authorities to match this commitment with the much needed resources that we crave and, in return, we will provide the results that we know we can achieve. With such commitment and expedient execution, our growth index will exceed its present state. This assurance I solemnly give,” he said.
Amidst intermittent showers of rain, the cold evening was enlivened by stirring performances from students in the form of drama, song and dance, before past Principal, Mr. Elton Lewis took to the stage and delivered the charge to the graduands.
“You now stand on the threshold of a potentially bright future, having achieved a commendable academic qualification which has placed you among the best at the education pyramid. Graduation from secondary school is a profound time of change, promise, possibilities and a good time to keep climbing the endless ladder to the heights of learning.
“I urge you to make sure that you are securely and firmly placed on the academic ladder and remember it is the climb of your life,” he warned them.
Lewis commended the efforts of the teaching staff and encouraged the Class of 2013 to look beyond the horizon.
“I say congratulations to each and every graduand on your achievement. Now please stand tall and move steady towards your next major milestone,” he urged them.

(By Michael Khan)