Sod turned for new $2.6B Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School

… “we’re building futures for our children” – PM

The sod was officially turned for the new Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School in Linden, which will be constructed at a cost of $2.6 billion.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, along with Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, and other officials, participated in the sod-turning ceremony.

The project has been awarded to China Jiangxi Electric Power Construction Company and is expected to be completed within 17 months. The school will feature modern amenities and specialised departments.
It will be built on 244,000 square feet of land and will comprise nine purpose-built blocks totaling approximately 67,000 square feet.
The campus will feature an administrative building housing the principal’s office, staff room, conference room, and a sick bay. There will be a multipurpose hall to accommodate assemblies, events and performances, as well as certified, fully-equipped classrooms. A dedicated science block will include three laboratories to facilitate hands-on practical learning. The school will also feature a technology and vocational training block outfitted for instruction in metalwork and woodwork.
A performing arts block will house a music room and a dance studio, while an agricultural block will allow students to engage in modern farming techniques and agricultural science. Additionally, there will be a fully-equipped information technology laboratory, a language lab, and a library to support literacy and research. Sanitary facilities will be provided for both students and staff, and a recreational area will offer space for sports, physical activity, and student well-being. During his address at the ceremony, Prime Minister (PM) Phillps emphasised that the construction of the school is a significant step forward in enhancing education delivery in Region 10.
The PM also underscored that good infrastructure is only one part of the equation, qualified educators are equally important.
“Good buildings mean little without good educators, and we’re invested in both. Finally, our reforms also reach students with special education needs, who were long underserved. Today, there are stronger frameworks in place, better-trained staff, clearer policies, and resources to ensure inclusivity for all. These programmes and initiatives all form part of a vision that says Guyana is a country that builds systems to support education and build futures for our children.”
He added that infrastructure across all 10 administrative regions has been modernised. Additionally, he pointed out that by the end of this year, 22 new secondary schools will be operational across Guyana — both on the coastline and in the hinterland.
“So, we are also bridging the development divide in all aspects — digital, educational, you name it. In this holistic vision for Guyana, it is essential to emphasise that Linden matters due to its immense potential. This town has long been a significant contributor to Guyana’s economy, but that’s not what defines it now.”

Quality education
Meanwhile, Education Minister Priya Manickchand whilst giving her remarks noted that the school, which will cater to thousands of students, already has a strong complement of trained teachers ready to deliver quality education across a wide range of subject areas.
“Construction of this school is going to begin today, when we leave, when we turn this sod. And it’s a school that’s going to be fit for a thousand children. We already have 107 teachers here. Of the 107 teachers, 26 are in college and two are upgrading — so 28 are in college — the rest are trained. In total, 384 teachers were trained in Region 10 over the last four years.”
She added that in mere time there will be a vast shift in the environment of where students have to study
“I’m very pleased to say that in less than two years, you’re going to have a very different environment where your children can access secondary education.

We are turning this sod for a brand-new school here, but every single school across this region is being rehabilitated or rebuilt, as far as necessary.”
Manickchand also committed to addressing infrastructure concerns at McKenzie High School following requests from the school’s board. She challenged the staff of McKenzie High to step up and deliver improved academic outcomes, noting that stronger results will create more opportunities for students.
“I am told that the school needs significant repairs or a rebuild, and once we assess the situation, you have a commitment from me at this podium that it will happen. But we need to make sure that we see improvements in Region 10 — and that no one is left behind, not even in riverine communities. We can’t be making these heavy investments and not seeing results. So McKenzie High — young teachers, old teachers, experienced teachers — the challenge is on.”