Top NGSA performers in Region Seven honoured

Students of Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven) who excelled at the recent National Grade Six
Assessment (NGSA) were on Tuesday, recognised for their achievements.
Six of the 10 top students were also presented with electronic tablets by Parliamentary Affairs
and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira, during a simple ceremony at the Bartica Secondary
School. Sabastian Khan of Potaro Primary School topped the Region with 495 marks and
secured a spot at the St. Joseph High School in Georgetown. This is the first time that primary
school was able to secure the top spot in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region.
The other students honoured were; Rollicisa Vankenic of St John the Baptist Primary with 489
marks; Jarel Benn, Potaro Primary, 477 marks; Felicia Jacobs, 72 Miles Primary, 477 marks;
Kimberly Wong, St John the Baptist Primary with 477 marks; and Bindito Mc Kend of St John
the Baptist Primary with 474 marks. Teixeira in her address, noted the importance of celebrating
the students who wrote the examination in very difficult circumstances.

The Minister who is also the geographical representative of the region, said there has been a
paradigm shift in the delivery of education across Guyana. This is seen as a large number of the
high flyers in Region Seven came from schools in the most remote areas in the Upper Mazaruni,
including Kako, Paruima and Waramadong. “This is an important indicator. We have to strive as
a nation to have equal access to education, that a child in Isseneru, Imbamadai must have access
to the same standard that is offered to a child in Bartica or in Georgetown,” she stressed.
Minister Teixeira commended the efforts of teachers, families and the education department
which played a critical role in the process. This, was made possible through support from Central
Government through many initiatives including the expansion and upgrading of the Guyana
Learning Channel, and ensuring the students have access to work sheets and other materials.
Teixeira pointed out that teachers are also being trained to be placed at schools in those remote
areas. To this end, this year, the intake at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) has
doubled. She said that the intention is also to build a corps of young professionals in the
hinterland regions, who are well trained to move their communities and by extension the country
forward.
Meanwhile, top student, Sabastian Khan credited his achievement to his hard work and
dedication and the support he received from his family and teachers. He declared that despite the
many challenges due to the pandemic, he persevered and is elated to have copped the top spot in
the region. He said, “I never dreamed of being the top 10 student.” Khan urged his peers to
continue to work hard to reach their fullest potential.
The remaining four top students will be celebrated at a subsequent event expected to be held in
the Upper Mazaruni. They are, Kimora Edwards of Kamarang Primary, 484; Priya Edwards of
Kako Primary, 483; Sabrina Albert, Paruima Primary, 481 marks; and Elesha Joe of
Waramadong Primary with 473. The minister said that a total of 536 students wrote the NGSA
examination in Region Seven. A large number of these students have been placed at ‘A’ list
schools within the region.