Blog

Some of the 55 graduates of the Carnegie School of Home Economics’ Class of 2022 (Photo: Ministry of Education/March 29, 2023)

The 2022 Valedictorian is Alliayah Da Costa who pursued the Certificate in Commercial Food Preparation Level One.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand while delivering the feature address, said that Guyana is at a place where its citizens are demanding better services which they deserve.

As such, she said that every sector and institution, including the Carnegie School of Home Economics, must respond to that demand and produce students that can provide services at higher standards.

She urged the institution that is celebrating its 90th Anniversary this year to reform itself to ensure it is relevant and responsive to what Guyana will become in the future.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand sashing the 2022 Valedictorian, Ms. Alliayah Da Costa (Photo: Ministry of Education/March 29, 2023)

Minister Manickchand advised the graduates that even as they are leaving the institution qualified in their respective fields, their positive attitude and drive which is required of a modern human being will ensure they stand out in the world of work and entrepreneurial pursuits.

She charged the graduates to be the difference within the service industry that they wish to see. Minister Manickchand urged the graduates to grab opportunities to further develop themselves so that they can continue to contribute to not only Guyana’s development but the improvement of their lives and their families.

Delivering the Charge was the Deputy Chief Education Officer (Administration), Fazia Baksh, who urged the graduates to strive for excellence in every task, large or small.

She encouraged them to not be afraid to be fearless as sometimes fears stand in the way of achieving important goals and milestones. Ms. Baksh also charged the graduates to become team players and become socially responsible by helping communities improve their quality of life.

The Principal of the Government Technical Institute, Dr. Renita Crandon said that Guyana is at a stage where new opportunities are evolving, new industries are emerging and products and services are expanding.

Some of the 55 graduates of the Carnegie School of Home Economics’ Class of 2022 (Photo: Ministry of Education/March 29, 2023)

As a result, Dr. Crandon said that there is an enormous need for technical and vocational skills and training. She said that the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector is therefore challenged to reposition and reimagine the roles and responsibilities of its institutions.

She said that the Carnegie School of Home Economics is critical in providing quality service in the areas of hospitality and tourism. According to Dr. Crandon, the time has come to aggressively and pointedly explore new realms in the industry. She congratulated the graduates, their relatives, loved ones and the institution on the success celebrated today.

Meanwhile, the Principal of the Carnegie School of Home Economics, Ms. Sharmaine Marshall in her report stated that the school strives to cultivate the skills, knowledge, values and habits that will allow graduates to lead personally enriching and socially responsible lives as influential citizens.

She said that the school is celebrating its 90th anniversary which is a significant milestone for any educational institution. To meet the demands of its industry partners and expectations of its most valuable clientele, its students, Ms. Marshall said that the institution is rebranding and reviewing its training programmes to meet the growing needs of the tourism and hospitality industry.

In her report, she noted that in June 2021, a new Board was appointed at the Carnegie School of Home Economics with Mrs. Carla Vantull as the new Chairperson. She said that the Board continues to provide guidance and makes valuable contributions to support the institution’s vision of being the leading institution and authentic voice providing quality training in Home Economics and Hospitality in Guyana.

She shared several highlights of the past academic year, projections and opportunities. (Modified press release from Ministry of Education)

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha along with contractors and agency representatives at the contract signing (Photo: Ministry of Agriculture/March 29, 2023)

This year, 12 agro-processing facilities will also be constructed across the country.

To provide access to farmland, increase food production, and improve the efficiency of transportation of produce from farm to market, a concrete bridge will be built at No 10 Perth Baiboo Channel.

And structures will also be constructed at Bellamy Canal to aid with flood mitigation and improve drainage and Irrigation.

The contracts were awarded to:

1) Romell Jagroop General Construction service -$28,526,800

2) I&R construction- $28,696,570

3) M Sukhai Contracting Services – $60,875,000

4) Roopan Ramotar Investment – $43,916,800

5) Roopan Ramotar Investment – $32,208,800

6) Ameer Enterprises – $21,244,440

7) C Jorree Farming and Contracting Services – $42,397,600

8) C Jorree Farming and Contracting Services – $20,141,700

9) Engineered Construction Company – $39,835,100

10) Arjune Construction Inc. – $40,759,750

11) Timehri Contracting Services – $45,834,860

12) K&S Civil Engineering Contracting Services Inc – $41,217,550

13) STP Investments Inc- $56,119,870

These contracts were part of the 24 contracts inked on Wednesday by the Ministry of Agriculture amounting to over $1.1 billion.

Other contracts that were signed will see works being done to enhance the fisheries department, the Mahaica-Mahaicony Abary and the Guyana Marketing Corporation to the tune of $15M, $26M, and $41M, respectively.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha

Speaking at the contract signing ceremony on Wednesday, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha described the works for GuySuCo as “critical” in light of the efforts that are currently underway at get the Blairmont, Uitvlugt, Rose Hall and Albion sugar estates up to par.

In fact, he said he is “optimistic” that GuySuCo will be able to achieve the target of 60,000 tonnes this year.

“This year we are hoping that the Rose Hall Estate will be operable in the second crop and there are a number of projects that are earmarked both for Albion, Rose Hall and also the other two estates, Blairmont and Uitvlugt,” Mustapha said.

The contracts for works at GuySuCo were awarded to:

-Game Equipment Limited – $165.6M for supply and delivery of four 195 hp 4-WD articulated agricultural tractors 

-General Marine Company – $224.2M for 12-inch 305mm Dia High-Density Polyethylene Corrugated Drainage Tubes (2,982 length)

-Massy Motors Limited – $42.8M for four 100-110 hp 4-WD tractors for Albion Estate

-S&K Construction Consultancy Services and General Supplies – $15.5M; $47.7M and $7.2M for road building materials to Albion Estate, a first grade crusher and 51 drums.

These contracts were part of the 24 contracts inked on Wednesday by the Ministry of Agriculture amounting to over $1.1 billion for other major works in the agriculture sector.

The infant died, hours after she was dropped off at the day care by her mother.

An autopsy later determined that haemorrhaging, suffocation and compression to the neck were the causes of death.

During the investigation, the owner of the day care was taken into Police custody but was later released on cash bail.

The News Room understands that the baby girl was found unresponsive at the day care and taken to a health centre where medical professionals attempted to resuscitate her.

The healthcare workers there subsequently called an ambulance from the Georgetown Public Hospital but it seemed too late.

The child was pronounced dead at the city’s main hospital minutes after she was brought in.