By Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur

FIVE of Region Five (East Berbice-Corentyne)’s top 10 performers at the recently-concluded National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) are aspiring doctors, with the others having their sights set on the fields of accountancy, politics and aviation.
Mariam Baksh, with 513 marks and a spot at Queen’s College, is the top pupil in the region, and among the top one per cent candidates in the country.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, an excited Baksh said she always wanted to achieve a spot at the Berbice High School, following in her dad’s footsteps. She worked towards her dream with help from her older sister, parents and Teacher Constance from the Sapodilla School of Excellence, and exceeded her own expectation.

Excited and somewhat shocked to learn that she topped her region, Baksh is on the right track of fulfilling her dream of becoming a doctor.

“There is a shortage of specialists in the medical field, and I intend to help fill that void by becoming a doctor; more specifically a specialist, so that the average person can get quality medical care,” the 12-year-old said confidently.

Copping the Number Two spot in the region with 510 marks was Amisha Ramjit, who will be heading to her dream school, Bishops’ High. The aspiring politician had to control her emotions as she gave credit to her parents and teachers from the Latchmansingh Primary School.

Ramjit, who encountered several administrative challenges and nearly missed the examinations due to a technical mix-up, managed to persevere and came out on top. Given the challenges she had to undergo, she wants to become a lawyer, fighting for the cause of the oppressed.

However, she was keen to note that her ultimate goal is to become a politician, or a minister, so that she can help to promote social cohesion, and be in a position to effect positive change.

Gabriel Adrian Saul, who re-migrated from Canada just over a year ago, scored 509 marks at the examinations. He noted that initially he had some difficulties in adjusting to the curriculum, but was pleased with the result. Saul wants to become a surgeon, architect, or a lawyer, but has not quite decided on which one at this stage.  The Treasures Primary Academy pupil gave credit to his mother and teachers for his success.

Dheeraj Ghansham tied with Saul for the third highest performance in the region. Both of them obtained 509 marks, and will be heading to Bishops’ High. Ghansham, an aspiring doctor, gave credit to his teacher, Ms. Rohini, and his parents for his success.

Rohit Mohabir from the Treasures Primary Academy, with 507 marks, will be heading to St. Stanislaus College. The excited youngster said he wants to assist people, and feels that if he becomes a doctor, he can achieve that goal comfortably, and make the world a healthier place.

Okel Cooper from Mahaicony Primary School, and Zaki Ishmael of No. 29 Primary School, both achieved 505 marks, and a spot at St. Stanislaus College. Cooper also wants to become a doctor, while Ishmael has his sights set on becoming a pilot.

Rehanna Boston and Supriya Premchand of the Sapodilla School of Excellence, and Chandini Sharma from Rosignol Primary School, who each scored 504 marks, have secured places at St. Rose’s High School.

Boston has a passion for mathematics, and wants to become an accountant. Premchand wants to become an engineer, while Sharma wants to become either a surgeon or dentist.