“You must prioritise studying, set goals, and work for what you want” – Caribbean Top CSEC performer

By Raywattie Deonarine

In the realm of academic achievements, there are milestones and then there is the summit—Alex Muntaz, the unparalleled top performer in the Caribbean for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) 2023, stands atop that pinnacle.
The 17-year-old former student of the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School (ARMS) and resident of Bush Lot, secured 24 Grade Ones and three Grade Twos at the examination.

He is extremely happy about his successful performances over the years and told Guyana Times during a recent interview, that despite all the challenges he has faced, he somehow maintained the first-place position at the end of every school term.
Topping the Caribbean is not just an accolade but rather a testament to resilience, dedication, and the unfaltering pursuit of excellence.
“Topping the Caribbean in CSEC 2023 is not just a personal achievement but a recognition of the support received from family, friends, and teachers. Their encouragement, guidance, and understanding have been instrumental during the tedious preparation for the examinations. I had countless extra lessons and private teachers who helped me with this great achievement. Thanks to the Almighty, because without Him, nothing is possible.”
For Muntaz, this achievement symbolises the conquest of an intricate mountain, overcoming procrastination, navigating through a staggering 27 subjects, and the immeasurable support that fuelled his journey.

From the onset, the narrative of Muntaz’s academic journey was adorned with labels of being “naturally intelligent” and consistently securing the top spot in every class from nursery to secondary school. Despite being rewarded a spot at the prestige Queen’s College, the decision to attend Anna Regina Secondary School was a pivotal choice, leading to invaluable connections and life-changing encounters.

“Throughout my school life, I was told that I was “naturally intelligent” and always secured the first spot in every class…nursery to secondary. When I wrote the NGSA, I topped Region Two and got a spot at Queen’s College. However, I attended the Anna Regina Secondary School. This was the best decision I made and because of this, I got to meet some of the best people in my life,” the top performer stated.
He further said that the path to the peak was laden with trials—endless hours of study, battles against procrastination, and the audacious decision to take on a diverse array of subjects. However, through the spectrum of emotions experienced along his journey, from self-doubt to the elation of triumph, Muntaz emerged with an unmatched sense of fulfilment.
Beyond personal triumph, Muntaz acknowledged that this achievement is not a solitary conquest but a testament to the unwavering support of family, friends, and mentors. Their guidance and encouragement formed the bedrock upon which this monumental success was built.
Looking towards the future, Muntaz’s aspirations transcend the horizon of academia. His passion for biomedical engineering—a fusion of biology, medicine, and engineering—echoes a commitment to revolutionise healthcare. His dream is to pioneer innovative medical technologies that enhance lives and propel the progress of medical science.
“Studying to be a biomedical engineer is a challenging yet exciting path, and I am eager to delve into coursework that combines my passion for biology and engineering. From biomechanics to medical imaging, the prospect of contributing to medical breakthroughs is both humbling and inspiring. I see this not only as a career choice but as a way to make a positive impact on the lives of others. As I set my sights on the future, the prospect of studying to be a biomedical engineer and the pursuit of a scholarship feels like the next logical step in a journey marked by resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” the future biomedical engineer explained.
As he steps into the next phase of his journey, Muntaz’s story becomes a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scholars.
His message to the future CSEC students is “You must prioritise studying, set goals, and work for what you want. As long as you maintain discipline you will find the path to success.”