13 students honoured at CH&PA bursary awards

Thirteen children of staff members of the Ministry of Housing–Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) were honoured on Friday at the agency’s annual Bursary Awards ceremony. This year’s recipients included four students recognised for outstanding performance at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations and nine students at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). Topping the cohort was Varshanie Mulla, who passed 15 CSEC subjects, while Rafyeal Ragnauth earned placement at St Stanislaus College as the leading NGSA performer.

The ceremony was attended by Housing Minister Collin Croal; Minister within the Ministry, Vanessa Benn; CH&PA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Martin Pertab; members of the management team; and parents and guardians.

Minister Croal praised the students’ achievements and urged them to continue striving for success that will benefit both their personal development and the country. He also pointed to the Government’s continued investment in expanding access to quality education. Minister Benn encouraged the awardees to become well-rounded individuals and committed to excellence, while also recognising the role of parents in supporting both their children’s education and CH&PA’s work.
Dr Pertab, sharing his own story of rising from a small Amerindian village to earning a doctorate, stressed that perseverance and determination are the keys to success even when initial results fall short. The awards were presented by the Ministers and the CEO, reaffirming CH&PA’s commitment to supporting the children of its staff and investing in the future.