THE Smith’s Memorial Primary School Parent/Teacher Association (PTA) requested assistance with beautifying the school’s surroundings, which Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal promptly provided in line with President Dr Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali’s green and safe- space initiatives.

Minister Croal, in an exclusive interview, told the Guyana Chronicle that the PTA body wrote him in March of last year and requested his presence at one of their meetings. However, because of his busy schedule, the minister said that he could not have made it, but he sent his representative Ms. Donell Bess-Bascom, who is also the Deputy Director of Community Development.

Based on the engagement with Ms. Donell, the minister said that the PTA asked for his help in several projects, one of which was the beautification initiative.

According to Minister Croal, “I looked at all that they were seeking help for and the decision was made to go with this project because it is part of what we as a government are trying to accomplish under President Ali’s leadership. We are looking to enhance and beautify the urban area and the entire Guyana; the First Lady, Mrs. Ali is also ensuring that parks and safe places are being erected as well, and this seems to fit perfectly into what our vision is as a government.”

The minister further stated, “Smith’s Memorial Primary School is also our neighbour and it felt like we were adopting it by doing this beautification project. I will also like to say that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports supported the cause by providing the lights, benches, and pavements and we opted for the construction sheds.”

Minister Croal added that each of the three wooden sheds has dimensions of 20 feet long, nine feet wide, and eight feet tall and was built at a total cost of $1.5 million.

Finally, the minister said that he would like to commend the headteacher, staff, and the vibrant PTA body for thinking about different ways of creating a child-friendly and safe environment for the children and parents. He also encourages other schools to play their role in the development of education facilities within their communities, regions, and, by extension, the country as a whole. The housing minister also urges persons using the facilities to help maintain and keep them clean.