IN sending well wishes to the scores of children who recently completed their primary education, and did so successfully, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha has urged that they consider taking up careers within the agriculture sector.
“I see each of you as the next generation of skilled agronomists, veterinarians, engineers, hydro-chemists and Ministers of Agriculture. I therefore encourage you to remain committed to your own advancement, and to the development of Guyana,” Minister Mustapha said in his congratulatory message to the children on Monday.
In commending them for doing well at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) this year in spite of the many hurdles they would have no doubt had to overcome, he said, “I know this year you, our children, faced many challenges, the greatest one being the global pandemic, COVID-19. However, despite those challenges, you were able to stay focused, and today, I join with the rest of the nation to celebrate your achievements.”

As a proud parent himself, he encouraged them to stay the course and press ahead with their studies.
“You are one step closer to becoming leaders of this great nation; your strength and commitment throughout your primary school lives have paid off,” Minister Mustapha said. “It is now time for you to go forward and continue to strive for excellence,” he added.

He further charged the pupils to not be discouraged if they feel as though their achievements were not as outstanding as they would have liked them to be, but to rather use the opportunity to enter into the new school term with a more determined attitude to better themselves, and achieve whatever goals they have set.
He also had a word of encouragement for those parents, guardians and educators who all played a major role in the success of this years’ NGSA pupils.

“I also want to congratulate the parents, guardians and teachers of all the children who wrote the NGSA. You have proven to be champions, as many of you battled to ensure resources were available to guarantee success in these troubling times. I encourage you to continue to be that beacon of strength and inspiration and the source of support they need as they enter into this new and exciting chapter of learning,” he said.
This year’s top performers are 11-year-old Samuel Barkoye and 12-year-old Rovin Lall, who both obtained 525 out of 528 marks.
The other top 10 NGSA performers are Alexander Singh, who secured 524 marks; Lianna Dharampaul and Brandon Ramdin who tied with 523 marks; and Britney Peters, Gabriel Felix and Dhanesh Tularam who each obtained 521 marks. Meanwhile, Yuki Clarke, Charisma Etwaroo, Robert Forrester and Salmah Bacchus each obtained 520 marks. They will commence the new school term at Queen’s College.