TEACHERS and students of the Leonora Secondary School officially got their first tutorial on golf this past week, as the Guyana Golf Association (GGA) continued its school’s programme.
This reaction was evident from the various Regional Education Officers, Head Teachers, Ministry of Education and Regional officials around the country, but especially so in Region three, where massive planned development is underway as indicated by President Dr. Irfaan Ali recently as he unveiled plans for the new mall, highways, and gas-to-shore facilities.
Recently, Leonora Secondary School led the way in the expansion of the game behind the strong support of REDO Annesta Douglas, Head Mistress Gittens, all of the teachers, PTA president, and members of the RDC, all of whom are actively involved in creating the facilities for the children and parents to play the game. “This is a dream come true for our region and I am extremely happy that we are in a position to offer a sport that will promote discipline, outdoor physical activities and mental toughness especially during the pandemic,” said Ms. Douglas. “West Coast Demerara is the new growth area and this will bring attention to our region and provide meaningful activity for our families and I am happy to throw my support behind this wonderful effort.”

At the official launch of the school pilot programme on Friday, the REDO and Head Mistress faced off in a putting contest to the delight of the school assembly and teachers who were present to also say farewell to Miss Letoya, a 15-year-veteran who was recently promoted. In the keenly contested putting match 4 playoffs, Gittens delivered the winning putt for her school.
“The total feeling of excitement, accomplishment and focus is unlike anything you have ever experienced, and I am very pleased to be the first school in Region Three to have this wonderful opportunity, ” said the head mistress as she praised the receptive attitude from her Deputy, staff and students. In launching the programme, Nicholas Fraser of the Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit, said that the unwavering support of the Ministry of Education and his department head, Ms. Barker-King, made the programme possible and the focus on Golf, because it fully complied with covid-19 guidelines, was a blessing in disguise for students who had been deprived of physical activity. Meanwhile, president of the Guyana Golf Association, Aleem Hussain, explained that the development of the sport was the most important thing at the moment and thanked all involved for their support. “As the force behind the development of [the] game in Guyana, we are focused on guiding our partners on the manner in which they can use their dormant facilities to benefit our kids”. “The GGA does not own or operate facilities but simply provides access to training, equipment and competitions for participants,” he ended. (Clifton Ross)