“The path you take is not only about you”
— Min. Sarabo-Halley to Guyana Education Trust College 2019 graduating class
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Guyana continues to see the fruits of excellence in education borne by young, outstanding students who are eager to contribute to the nation’s development.
Some of these students include the latest batch of Guyana Education Trust College CSEC graduates.
Hon. Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, Minister of the Public Service, urged the graduates to determine what their contribution to Guyana’s development can be, instead of rushing into a routine job.
She explained that while having done well at CSEC is a noteworthy achievement, “it is what you do with all that you would have learnt after you leave this centre that is most important.”
Laying bare her emotions, Minister Sarabo-Halley shared her experiences as a young person and her journey to becoming a minister, adding that it’s not always a smooth road. Her story was met with resounding applause.
She recalled His Excellency, President David Granger’s remarks at the 175th Anniversary of Queen’s College, where he shared that Guyana is preparing to launch its ‘Decade of Development’, and assured that education will be accorded the highest priority.
“Guyana is currently depending on you to reach your full potential, the longer you take to recognise your full potential; what you were called to do, the longer it will take for the country to develop to its full potential,” she charged the students.
The government continues to recognise the importance of education and having an educated nation in its effort to develop Guyana.
“A lot of people pursue getting a job without taking time to reflect on what their gifts are, and so they end up in a job that they dislike, and they get stuck there until retirement just to pay their bills.”
It is evident that the government wants youth to thrive, and in this regard, she said that education should act as a stepping stone and not just a means to get a ‘quick job’.
“Education should be seen as the refiner of your gift because a gift can never be learnt; it can only be refined.”
She encouraged the students to create goals, stick with their support system, and adopt persistence, consistency and discipline in their routines.
Becoming the “best you, requires hard work,” Minister Sarabo-Halley cautioned.
“Nothing good comes easily… when you have a purpose, your experiences aren’t always that great before you reach that purpose.”
Additionally, the minister remarked, it is what you do with your experiences and setbacks that determine your trajectory.