$77M education complex commissioned in Region Three
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaHNShc6v6k” width=”100%” height=”315″]
─ replaces the old education building gutted by fire in 2009
─ to now house over 16 Education Officers, other staff
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, September 25, 2018
The Region Three Regional Democratic Council (RDC) today, commissioned a $77M education complex at Vreed-en-Hoop.
The cost takes into consideration the $43M building; a $17M cold storage; a $12M generator room (with generator installed and configured) and the driveway and open bond for $5M.
The new complex replaces the old education building which was gutted by fire in 2009. As a result of the blaze, many documents were destroyed and offices displaced, it also affected staff morale and threatened the full functionality of the education department in the region. Some 16 Education officers and other staff were housed in the Learning Resource Centre in the same compound.
Speaking at today’s commissioning ceremony, Senior Project Officer, Ministry of Communities, Karen Roopchand spoke on behalf of Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan. Roopchand said that the administration, recognising the urgency and importance of such a facility to the region and by extension, the country, prioritised the reconstruction of the education department building.
She underscored some of the benefits. “To our parents, you can rest assured that issues regarding the region’s children will be dealt with in a more comfortable, spacious and private environment. To you the teachers, the resource centre will be returned to its original use where you can develop general and annual schemes, produce teaching aids and engage with each other. To the community, you now have your full library.”
Roopchand reiterated the administration’s commitment of continued support of the education sector. “This government will continue to support and build on the success of the education system in the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara Region. It is fitting that this dedication ceremony is done as we celebrate education month and I must acknowledge and congratulate the region.”
In his remarks, Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikaran said that the government has delivered yet another promise to the people of the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara Region. “What we are experiencing here are promises made and fulfilled by this government …it is, therefore, important to note that you maintain what you have (here) to the best of your ability.”
Regional Education Officer, Annesta Douglas noted that the project is a significant achievement for the education department. She expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the existence of the facility.
Synieka Thorne
Images: Jameel Mohamed