SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, on Sunday joined the President of the Queen’s College (QC) Old Students’ Association (QC-OSA), Pauline Chase, at a wreath-laying ceremony to launch a week of observances to mark the college’s 180th anniversary.

According to a Ministry of Finance press release, the ceremony was held at the St James the Less Church in Kitty, and wreaths were laid at the final resting place of the Lord Bishop William Piercy Austin, inaugural Anglican Bishop of the then British Guiana and founder of Queen’s College.

“Dr Singh saluted the remarkable vision and foresight of Bishop Austin in founding the Anglican Grammar School for Boys in 1844, which would later become Queen’s College, and acknowledged the role played by the school as an incubator of excellence over generations for nearly two centuries, having produced thousands of past students who have gone on to distinguish themselves and provide invaluable service to Guyana and the rest of the world in every field of human endeavour.

“Minister Singh also highlighted the outstanding accomplishments of, and service provided by past students of Queen’s College in politics and public service, academia, the professions, literature and the arts, and sports. And, expressed confidence that the college’s service to Guyana and the world over the past 180 years will be matched and exceeded by its service over the next 180 years and beyond,” the release added.

The 180th anniversary observances continue through the week with the Special General Assembly slated to take place today, which will see a feature address by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

Other activities throughout the week will include the commissioning of the new T-VET building, an Art Exhibition, a Day of Tours, a Day of Sports, a Fun Day and Concert, and a Teacher Appreciation Dinner, among others.
The observances are expected to come to a close with a Gala at the Guyana Marriott Hotel on Saturday 26th October 2024.

The various activities planned will all see participation by past students from QCOSA chapters worldwide, the release added.