THE Canada-based Uitvlugt Community Support Group (UCSG) last Saturday held its annual awards ceremony for top National Grade Six Assessment examination performers of Uitvlugt Primary School with eight students receiving monetary awards and certificates.

For this year’s awards a new contributor, Dr Martin Boodhoo, came on board and made a special presentation.

In his address to the students, teachers and parents Dr Boodhoo congratulated the students for their sterling performance and impressed upon them the need for having a sound education and exhorted them to always aim for excellence.
Dr Boodho worked with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and was also a former Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG).Reflecting on his study years,he told the awardees that he did not have the opportunities that are available to students now. As such, he urged them to make optimal use of these opportunities in their academic pursuits.
He also expressed gratitude to those from the Guyanese diaspora who are giving back to their country, despite living abroad and expressed the hope that more would come on board to help in the development of our beautiful country.
The UCSG was formed several years ago by a group of Guyanese who were former students of Uitvlugt Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara in an effort to give something back to the school and the community.
Every year, fund-raising events are held in Canada to raise finance to facilitate the annual awards ceremony.
The headmistress of the school, Ms. Carolyn Cameron, expressed deep gratitude and appreciation for the fine gesture of the UCSG noting that it has helped to motivate and inspire students.
Written By Chamanlall Naipaul