Newly appointed Director seeks to create smart classroom at Bertram Collins College

— reviewing feasibility of dormitories for students in outlying areas

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Recently appointed Senior Executive Director of the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service Dr. Mark Kirton held meetings with the subject minister Hon. Tabitha Sarabo-Halley and the staff and lecturers of the institution on Monday.

Describing the engagements as fruitful, Dr Kirton told DPI, “The staff are very eager and are working assiduously alongside the lecturers. I commend them f0r ensuring the continuity of the delivery of the programme by distance.”

Newly appointed Director of Bertram Collins College Dr. Mark Kirton (centre), Permanent Secretary, Department of Public Service, Soyinka Grogan (right) and Executive Director of Bertram Collins College Randolp Leitch(left) during a tour of the inistution

Director of Bertram Collins College Dr. Mark Kirton, Permanent Secretary, Department of Public Service, Soyinka Grogan, Executive Director of Bertram Collins College Randolp Leitch and other officials from the institution touring the grounds.

Dr. Kirton assured that he will be “working together” with the administration of the college to ensure there are “no gaps in the delivery of the programmes.”

Following a tour of the institution, the new director indicated that one of the matters he will be looking into is the establishment of a smart classroom.

“A room is being converted into a smart classroom. This will be necessary for the future, to ensure courses can be taught from anywhere in the world and it will enhance the quality of the programme.”

The matter of accommodation for students residing in outlying areas – Regions 1, 2, 7, 9 and 10 – was also raised. Dr. Kirton related they will be reviewing the feasibility of converting some of the buildings into dormitories.

This he added will also “foster camaraderie that would enhance the type of personalities graduating from the college who will take up posts in the changing public service in Guyana.”

Further training of the staff in online delivery of their programmes is also being addressed. This the director noted will enable the continuation of the curriculum for the 60 cadets currently enrolled at the college.

“We have to ensure the instruction is of the quality that can stand both domestic and international scrutiny…when you train people, you must ensure that they can enter the workplace with the necessary skills suited for the 21st century. The knowledge base is ever-changing,” Dr. Kirton remarked.

Dr, Kirton took up the post of Senior Executive Director after Colonel (ret’d) Lawrence Paul who held the position was seconded to the National Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Task Force (NCTF).