Reg 5 top performers at NGSA, CSEC recognised for academic achievements

The top performers at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) were recognised for their academic achievements by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on Saturday.
The 35 youths, 15 of whom performed exceptionally at the CSEC and 20 at the NGSA, received trophies, laptop computers, school supply kits, and gifts during an event held at Dundee, Mahaicony.

With 502 marks, Dianna Harripersaud of Cotton Tree Primary topped the region at this year’s NGSA while the top CSEC performer was Malique Washington of Rosignol Secondary with 12 Grade Ones, six Grade Twos and two Grade Threes.
Executive member of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Paul Chung in complementing the awardees, said the students have set an example for other students to follow.
Making mention of Guyana’s 67 per cent growth rate in 2022, the PSC executive explained that this shows that there is potential in Guyana for personal development while challenging the students to focus on science.
“There are many opportunities. Now is the time to lay the foundation for a brighter tomorrow for yourself and your family,” he said.

“I want to encourage you to continue on this path. Don’t become complacent, there is a far way to go,” he told them.
However, Executive Secretary of the PPP/C, Zulfikar Mustapha noted that the occasion is one to be treasured as it allows the party to reflect on the region’s top academic achievers over the past year.
Education, he pointed out, is the key component in one’s development.
Mustapha, being a bit more current, pointed out that for the first half of 2023, Guyana’s economy grew by 59.5 per cent while the non-oil sectors which include construction, agriculture and manufacturing grew by 12.3 per cent.
This, he posited, came at a time when many countries around the world are struggling to show a five of six per cent growth. “This means that our Government is managing the country in a prudent way.”
Mustapha further added that many opportunities are available in Region Five and for the trajectory to continue, it is those such as the top flyers who would have to continue the trend.
“It is against this backdrop that the Government has been providing needed resources for education. This year $3 billion was spent on textbooks for students. 87,643 students are benefiting from the feeding programme which the Government is sponsoring and 29,691 receive hot meals. The breakfast programme is providing breakfast for 15,208 students,” Mustapha noted.

Acknowledging that there are some gaps which exist, he assured that efforts are being made to reduce those gaps in the system.
“Gone are the days when the top students only came from the schools in the city. You can see that we are improving learning facilities around the country.”
The party’s Executive Secretary called on party officials in other regions to honour its top performers. This is the 10th year the party has been honouring top students.
Regional Party Supervisor Fizal Jaffarally, who is also the Regional Parliamentary Representative, commended the students while adding that they have made their teachers, parents and community at large proud.
“Today in Region Five, we can boast that we have universal education at the primary level and it is the Government’s hope to attain universal education at the secondary level.
Meanwhile, rounding off the top five CSEC performers were Sanjeev Ramlakan of Fraser’s Educational Institute with 12 Grade Ones, six Grade Twos and three Grade Threes; Rebecca Ganesh of Rosignol Secondary with 13 Grade Ones, three Grade Twos and one Grade Three; Nicklous Famsundar of Fraser’s Educational Institute with nine Grade Ones and eight Grade Twos and Bibi Shamara Abdool of Fraser’s Educational Institute with 12 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos.
Rounding off the top five NGSA students were Sheeleekha Sangeeta Ramroop of Novar Primary with 500 marks; Justin Dhanesh Ross of Treasures Primary also with 500 marks; Asher Calvin Sahado of Number 8 Primary with 499 marks and Devon Seetayah of Cotton Tree Primary with 499 marks.