By Vishani Ragobeer

UNDER the theme “Seizing the opportunity to train and build a cohesive society”, both past and present students of the Berbice High School will be celebrating the school’s 100th year as an institution.During all that time, this institution has been able to produce pioneers who have been instrumental in the development of Guyana.

This school traces its genesis to humble beginnings in 1916, when nine males from the region were given the opportunity to attend a secondary school started by the Canadian Presbyterian Church.

The school has transcended to produce some of Guyana’s finest figures to date. These include American EMMY Award winning executive producer Pamela Mahabeer and international diplomat and statesman Sir Shridath Ramphal.

The centenary celebrations were unveiled in September 2015 and launched at the said time. These celebrations, which will eventually lead into the centenary week celebrations from August 31 to September 5, fall under the umbrella of the yearlong activities being spearheaded by the Berbice High School Alumni Association, and are dedicated to achieving specific objectives: to highlight the achievements of students of the Berbice High School, both past and present; to facilitate fellowship and mentorship between the alumni and current students; to raise the general profile of the Berbice High School by endeavouring to improve all of the school’s physical facilities; and to raise the concerns of young people in this region on the topic of social cohesion.

The Planning Committee, led by the Alumni Association, has tailored a programme for the Centenary Week celebrations. This week of activities will include reunions, a day of inter-generational sports, a cultural extravaganza and fair highlighting Berbice talents, a career fair; and on Centenary Day, September 5th, there will be a ceremonial programme featuring empowering spokespersons such as President David Granger, Ms. Mahabeer, Sir Shridath Ramphal, New Amsterdam Mayor Kurt Anthony Wynter, and Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, among other persons.

A number of additional events would be held. The Organising Committee has also been able to organise an essay competition in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, which will see participants from the entire secondary school student population of Region Six.

Each participant in the essay competition would be required to share his/her opinion on the different aspects of social cohesion — in keeping with the theme and one objective of the centenary celebrations — in order to increase awareness of this topic in society. After evaluation, the top three essays from lower, middle and upper schools will be identified and published. Generous prizes will be awarded, compliments of the magnanimous alumni.

There will also be a holistic upgrade of the school — which includes upgrading all laboratories and co-curricular facilities, and improving the school’s compound among the many other improvements slated to be done; and there will be establishment of at least 10 scholarship funds aimed at providing greater opportunities to the students.

The alumni also seek to identify and recognise distinguished colleagues of this school, and there will be a Lifetime Achievement Award to be allocated to one of the many candidates.

All past students of the Berbice High School, as well as members of the general public, are invited to participate in the school’s centenary celebrations and aid in the upgrade of the school, which would facilitate a conducive environment for students for generations to come.
A grand event is promised.