–    Maths, English still cause for concern

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand was all smiles yesterday as she celebrated both her birthday and the good academic performance of Guyana as reflected in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examination.

In Essequibo yesterday morning at the Anna Regina Multilateral, Manickchand announced the general results that were obviously pleasing to her and her team from the Ministry—including Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam.
The Minister, which has been serving in the Education Ministry for just about two years, said that she was happy about the results and excited that she got to celebrate it at the school that the top two students attended.
Though not yet confirmed by the Education Ministry, it is believed that Zimeena Azealia Rasheed who topped the country with 18 grade ones and two grade twos, topped the Caribbean as well. Therefore the Minister was delighted that the work of her “hard working” teachers has paid off.

What Manickchand wasn’t thrilled about was the fact that even though the overall academic results for CSEC have noticeably improved, performances in the two key subject areas—Mathematics and English—have left much to be desired, putting it mildly.
Grades One to Three passes in Mathematics, English Language (A) and Clothing and Textiles were less than fifty percent (50%). Passes for English A were recorded at 45.69 percent marking an increase compared to last year’s 37.02 percent, while passes for Mathematics were recorded at 28.92 percent representing a decrease from last year’s 29.69 percent pass rate.

Manickchand disclosed that in Mathematics, there was a slight decline in the Grades One to Three passes; from 30.35 percent in 2011 and 29.69 percent in 2012 to 28.92 percent in 2013.
Performance in English B, the Minister said, improved from 59.72% in 2011 and 56.5 percent in 2012 to 61.06 percent in 2013 (Grades One to Three). Grades One to Three pass rate in English A improved from 37.02 percent in 2012 to 45.69 percent in 2013.
Additional Mathematics which was written for the first time in 2012 and had a pass percentage of 58.33 percent improved to 80.83 percent in 2013.
Minister Manickchand said that she has to sit with her team to strategize other tactics to go about tackling the problems in Mathematics especially. She said that for the amount of resources the Ministry is pumping into the subject area, the results are indeed disappointing.

On the brighter side, excellent performances were recorded in Agriculture Science (DA & SA) and Integrated Science. And improvements were recorded in Biology and Chemistry compared to 2012.
Kaieteur News has learnt that this year saw an increase in the number of candidates who wrote the CSEC; as well as the number of subject entries. Thirteen thousand, six hundred fifty-four (13,654) students (8649 were females and 5005 males) wrote the examination this year. Of that amount, 8563 were public entries, while 5091 were private school candidates. Private candidates amounted to approximately 38 percent of the total entries.
The analysis of the 2013 CSEC results revealed that the overall pass rate at the General and Technical proficiencies for Grade One to Three was 59.31 percent as opposed to 58.69 percent in 2012. The overall 2013 Grade One to Grade Four pass rate was 80.92 percent.

These rates compared with last year, indicate an increase in the Grade One to Three and Grade One to Four passes.
Candidates from Guyana wrote thirty-four (34) subjects at the examination.
Of these subjects the results indicated excellent performances in fifteen (15) subjects where the Grade One to Three passes exceeded seventy five percent.

The fifteen subjects are: Agriculture Science (DA), Agriculture Science (SA), Economics, Food & Nutrition, French, Information Technology, Integrated Science, Religious Education, Theatre Arts, Electronic Document Preparation and Management, Physical Education & Sport, Additional Mathematics, Building Technology (Const.), Building Technology (Woods) and Mechanical Engineering Technology.
Satisfactory performances were recorded in sixteen subjects where the Grades One to Three passes exceeded fifty percent while Grades One to Four passes were in excess of seventy-five percent, these subjects were: Biology, Caribbean History, Chemistry, English B, Geography, Home Economics, Office Administration, Physics, Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business, Social Studies, Spanish, Technical Drawing, Visual Arts, Human and Social Biology, and Electrical & Electronic Technology.

The overall performances in four (4) subjects were unsatisfactory, Mathematics and English included.
There were improvements in Biology and Chemistry compared to 2012. Grade One to Three performances in Physics declined from 68.69 percent in 2012 to 54.38 percent in 2013.

The Grade One to Three performances in Human and Social Biology improved from 55.84percent in 2012 to 61.38percent in 2013.
In the Business Education subjects – the performance in Office Administration, Principles of Accounts and Principles of Business could be described as satisfactory.
Information Technology (General) once again recorded an excellent performance this year 75.58 percent, while Principles of Accounts improved from 53.74 percent 2012 to 71.95 percent in 2013.

In the Home Economics subjects, the pass rate in Food & Nutrition was 80.94, while Home Economic Management declined from 82.83 percent in 2012 to 73.01 percent in 2013. Clothing & Textiles showed a significant decline in performance from 76.63 percent in 2012 to 47.11 percent in 2013.
In the Industrial Technology subjects – Building Technology (Const) and Building Technology (Woods) recorded improvements in the Grade One to Three passes, with the latter improving from 63.37 percent to 81.08 percent. Mechanical Engineering Technology remained relatively constant.

In the Modern Languages subjects – French and Spanish recorded excellent and satisfactory performances respectively, as did Theatre Arts and Physical Education & Sports with Grade One to Three passes over 75 percent.
Kaieteur News was made to understand that a full analysis of individual candidates’ performances is not yet available. According to Manickchand, her Ministry requested a list of candidates who have secured Grade One passes in eight or more subjects from the Caribbean Examinations Council.

“In response to our request for the list of persons who have secured Grade One passes in eight or more subjects, we received a list of two hundred and thirty-one (231) candidates, compared to one hundred and seventy five (175) in 2012.  Of these, sixty-nine (69) students secured 11 Grade Ones or more as opposed to forty (40) in 2012.”

Source: By Abena Rockcliffe; https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2013/08/14/guyana-did-exceptionally-well-at-csec-education-minister/

Shalita Appadu is this year’s Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) top student making President’s College proud.
Appadu, who is not new to academic success, obtained six Grade Ones in Chemistry Unit 2; Biology Unit 2; Communication Studies; Caribbean Studies; Management of Business; Economics Unit 2; and one Grade Two in Economics Unit 1.

During a brief interview with this publication an elated Appadu wittily joked that she does not know how someone would obtain Grade One in Economics Unit 2 and a Grade Two in Economics Unit 1.
Two years ago, the Auchlyne Estate, Corentyne girl secured the top spot in the country alongside a student of Queen’s College at Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC). She had secured 15 Grade One passes.

Reflecting on her earlier success, Appadu said she went to President’s College with high expectations bestowed upon her. The young lady said President’s College had become her home and she was a loved daughter.
“All my teachers treated me well and expressed their expectations of me making the school proud. And I can tell you my school and teachers are proud. I am happy I could have done it,” she said.

Knowing the art of studying, young Appadu applied herself in group discussions, class discussions and personal studies. However, she found studying in groups more satisfying as she remembered best explaining various topics with her colleagues.
While, Appadu was the lone student to perform exceptionally well at President’s College, Queen’s College swept away the top positions among the 748 students who wrote the exam.

Melodie Lowe of Queen’s College captured the second position in the country with five Grade Ones. Lowe is also not new to being successful in her studies. The young lady secured four Grade Ones and one Grade Two at CAPE in 2012.
According to Lowe, “Not surprisingly, my CAPE results have brought much joy to me as well as to my parents, family and friends. I must thank the Lord above, my teachers, my parents and all others who have encouraged and inspired me. My grades have been a result of their support, coupled with hard work and application.

Though I felt confident I had done well after writing the exams, I still felt nervous awaiting the results. Now that the results are out, I am extremely satisfied with my performance. Let me use this opportunity to congratulate the other students who have done well at CSEC and CAPE, especially from my school, Queen’s College.”
Also from Queen’s College, 17-year-old Prashant Shivdas obtained Five Grade Ones. He intends to return to Queen’s College to continue second year CAPE. A modest, Shivdas told this publication that he is pretty excited about his success which he credits to hard work. He believes his parents are proud of his achievement.

Shivdas enlightened that his two friends of Queen’s College, Kaleshwar Singh and Deowattie Narine, who also received five Grade Ones each, were out of the country.  Both Narine and Singh are former students of The Bishops’ High School and captured fourth and fifth positions in the country when they sat CSEC in 2012.
The other two Queen’s College students to obtain five Grade Ones are Anuradha Dev and Benedict Sukra. Last year, Sukra secured ninth position for the country at CSEC. Amrita Milling, Andy Sattan, of Queen’s College and Anil Tulsie of St. Stanislaus College obtained four Grade Ones and one Grade Two each. And, Malinie Tulsie obtained four Grade Ones, one Grade Two, and one Grade Three.

And Jonnelle James and Rooana Rose of Queen’s College obtained four Grade Ones and one Grade Three, and four Grade Ones respectively.
In 2012, James had topped the country at CAPE securing five Grade One passes in Biology, Caribbean Studies, Chemistry, Food and Nutrition and Pure Mathematics.
According to the Ministry of Education, the overall pass rate in 2013 is 86.6 percent. This is an increase from 2011 when a pass rate of 82.5 percent was attained and a marginal increase over the 86.2 percent pass rate in 2012. An increase was noted in the number of Grades I attained in 2013.

This year the entries were received from eight public schools and two private entities. The analysis of the 2013 performance of public schools showed increases in the pass rates for The Bishops’ High, New Amsterdam Multilateral, Queen’s College and St. Rose’s when compared to 2012.

It was noted that the overall pass percentages at St. Stanislaus College, St. Joseph High and Mackenzie High declined, while performance at President’s College remained relatively constant.
Performance at New Amsterdam Multilateral has been consistently improving (82.7 percent in 2011, 87.19 percent in 2012 and 89.04 percent in 2013) and there has been a notable increase in the pass percentage at St. Rose’s High (79.89 percent in 2012 when compared to 87.03 percent in 2013).
The Bishops’ High moved from 95.49 percent in 2012 to 98.19 percent in 2013; Queen’s College moved from 86.62 percent in 2012 to 89.19 percent in 2013.

Source: https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2013/08/14/presidents-college-girl-tops-cape/

Two girls from the Cinderella County of Essequibo have continued their friendly academic rivalry and emerged to become the country’s top performers at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.
The two Anna Regina Multilateral students secured an astonishing 18 grade ones.

Zimeena Rasheed, the former C.V. Nunes Primary School Student who secured fifth position at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) six years ago, is now the country’s top CSEC performer with 18 grade ones and 2 grade twos. She is believed to be the first ever student to write 20 subjects at one sitting.
Rasheed was followed by former classmate of the C.V. Nunes Primary School, and Guyana’s top NGSA student of 2008, Yogeeta Persaud, who secured a perfect 18 grade ones.

The results were announced yesterday morning by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand who travelled to Essequibo for that specific purpose.
Region Two also came under the spotlight last year when 16-year-old Sarah Hack who attended the Abrams Zuil Secondary School scored 16 Grade ones, not only topping the country, but the Caribbean as well.
During an interview with Kaieteur News, Zimeena Rasheed, who aspires to work in the field of Structural Engineering, said that preparing for her exams called for a lot of studying and sacrifices.
Rasheed who actually wrote 21 subjects at CSEC said that her career choice was based on the fact that she is fascinated with buildings and interior designs. The top student said while she had not considered pursuing sixth form, she is ready for the University of Guyana.

The young lady, who is a member of the Presidents Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG), said that her favourite subject is Technical Drawing. She has a brown belt in Karate, a subject area that she also pursued at CSEC examinations.
“I want to firstly thank God, and my parents. I would also like to thank my teachers for their support and my colleagues for their support,” a smiling Rasheed told Kaieteur News.
Her friendly academic rival, Yogeeta Persaud, who was quite bold but understandably emotional, said that it was after Minister Manickchand announced her as the second place student in the country, she broke down in tears in disbelief of what she had heard.
The 16 year-old said that with all the accomplishments so far she has not yet decided on a definite career path but is thinking about venturing into the field of medicine.

COOL, CALM AND COLLECTIVE
The former SSEE top student (back in 2008) encourages students who would sit the exam to remain cool, calm and collective, while focusing on the goal ahead. She added that this can only be accomplished if the relevant sacrifices are made.
Third-placed Phillipe Walker who obtained 16 grade ones and one grade two, said that preparing for his exams was a simple exercise. “I never had sleepless nights or over studied; I just remained calmed and focused during the examination period.”
The Science student added that he took extra lessons in other subject areas, including Economics, to achieve his goal. Walker admitted that he had fears when sitting the examination but prayed and remained composed.
The ecstatic young man said that after his summer vacation, he will continue at his school, Queen’s College, in the sixth form and plans to further his studies in Medicine internationally.
“I want to thank God because none of this would have been possible and my parents for all their support,” Walker said in conclusion.
Securing 16 grade ones and 1 grade two, Akeila Wiltshire said that she was not among her peers who “overworked themselves” to do well. She ensured that she was properly rested. The Queen’s College student said that while she was confident of success, her achievement as a top four performer definitely surpassed her expectations. The Under-15 Squash Champion said that without the support of her family and teachers, her success at this year’s examinations would not have been possible.

FOCUSED THROUGHOUT
Fifth place went to Cecil Cox of Queen’s College, who said that he viewed the examination as a “good” opportunity for him to excel in his academics. Cox who is not sure of his next move reflected that the examinations were difficult at times, but he remained focused throughout.
He said that the most difficult area for him was the foreign languages, as in Spanish, he only had one year to prepare.
His schoolmate, Akash Jairam, is aiming to be a student of Harvard University, 16 year-old Akash said that the examination period was a mixed bag, but he was “able to pull through and defy all odds”.
The Business student who was elated about his 15 ones, two twos and one three, said that apart from his stream subjects, he pursued the subject area of Physics, but it posed a number of difficulties as he also had only one year to prepare.
Jairam said that he plans to go to American University to pursue studies in either Business or Law thanked the teachers of Queen’s College who helped him through the “stress and drama” of School Based Assessments (SBAs). He also gave a heartfelt thanks to his parents who gave him tremendous support.

FLOATING ON CLOUD NINE
When contacted by this publication, aspiring Cardiologist Sharmila Ramlall, who obtained 15 ones and two twos, said that she is unable to bring herself “back to normal”, as she was still feeling as though she was “floating on cloud nine”. The young lady noted that while the examination was not much of a struggle, she had to turn her “determination mode on”, in order to complete and submit her School Based Assessments (SBA) on time. Ramlall said that she went into the examination with an open mind, so as to not be disappointed, should the results not be in her favour. She plans to pursue studies for CAPE, come next year.

Shahrazaad Khan, whose 15 ones and one two are equally impressive, spoke of his interest in the field of Forensics. The 17-year-old Shahrazaad Khan described some of the subjects as easy while others were complex. The Queen’s College student said that her most demanding subject was Physics because of its challenging questions.
The elated teen told this publication that she plans to further her studies at the sixth form level at Queen’s College, but is not too sure where she will be pursuing her dreams of being a Forensic Scientist.
“I want to thank Allah and my parents, grandparents, relatives and teachers for all their support,” Khan said.
And amiable Crystal Nelson was the only St. Rose’s High School student to make it into this year’s top 10. The aspiring Pediatrician is hoping for a scholarship in order to pursue her studies. She told Kaieteur News that while everyone expected her to be among the tops, she was not very hopeful. However, she maintained that giving up her novels and television time to study has paid off. She added that the key to her success today is prioritizing.
“I believe that there is a time for everything, and months before the exams was the time for me to study, and I am glad that it paid off,” an obviously ecstatic Nelson said.
She attributed her good grades to the support of her teachers, parents, and god, without whom she believes, nothing is possible.

Kaieteur News was unable to make contact with the final of the top 10 performers- Parmeshivanie Seodat and Rafena Mustapha, students of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan, both of whom obtained 15 grade ones. But will feature them in a subsequent edition.
Following them with 14 grade ones and a grade two were Anna Regina Secondary School’s Teakaram Singh; Nabeeha Ali and Kezia Daniels of Queen’s College; Fatima Haniff of ISA Islamic Academy, as well as Anuradha Sookdeo and Romini Sukhai of Saraswati Vidya Niketan.
Securing 14 grade ones were Bibi Latiff of the Anna Regina Secondary School, Nicholas Elliot, Sayyid Rajab, and Sasha Woodroffe all of Queen’s College, and Muneshwar Singh of Saraswati Vidya Niketan.

Source: By Rehana Ahamad and Javone Vickerie  https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2013/08/14/anna-regina-multilateral-tops-csec/

Guyana has recorded an improved pass rate of 38.7% at Mathematics at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, which Education Minister Priya Manickchand reported as the best performance in the subject in the country’s history.

Manickchand made this declaration during the announcement of the results of the 2014 CSEC and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency (CAPE) Unit One examinations yesterday, where it was revealed that less than 40% of candidates this year who wrote Mathematics gained more than Grade Three.

Manickchand noted that the pass rate pertained to 13,724 candidates who sat this year’s CSEC examinations

The Ministry also released pass rates from 1990 to the present showing the performances in Mathematics and substantiating that some gains have been made in Guyana and not simply a cross-section, since Mathematics is a mandatory subject. “In many countries in the Caribbean, only students who passed a pre-test are allowed to write Mathematics at CXC,” she said. She continued, “…For the last two years, we have mandated that every single child must write Mathematics and English. So this 39% you’re seeing here is actually 39% of the entire population and not 39% of our good students.”

Of the candidates who sat this year’s CSEC examinations, 8,642 were from public schools, while 5,082 or 37% were from private schools. The gender breakdown showed that there were 8,837 female candidates, while there were 4887 male candidates.

This year’s overall pass rate for the General and Technical proficiencies for Grades One to Three in the 35 subjects offered in Guyana at the CSEC level was 60.21%, a less than 1% increase from last year’s 59.31%. The overall Grade One to Grade Four pass rate was 88.44%.

The overall pass rate for CAPE was pegged at 85.07 %, with 798 students sitting the examination. This represents a slight decrease from 2013, where a pass rate of 86.6% was achieved. An increase was noted in the Grades III to V performances. Sixty-four percent of entrants were females while 36 % were males.

“No Unit recorded a pass rate that was below 50%,” Manickchand noted.

Pilot project yields improved results

Meanwhile, the 41 schools where the Ministry of Education’s Mathe-matics and English A pilot project was launched for CSEC students recorded dramatic improvements in Mathematics. The programme was launched in 2011, following the ministry’s observations of much-needed emphasis on the subjects.

In English A this year, the pass rate was 46.98%, representing a just over 1% increase from last year’s 45.69%. The ministry’s pilot programme in this subject also saw notable improvements.

The Ministry, however, did acknowledge that Mathematics and English were among the four subjects where “unsatisfactory” performances were registered. The other two were Music and Visual Arts.

In contrast, “excellent” performances were recorded in 12 subjects, where the Grades One to Three passes exceeded 75%: Agriculture Science (Sin-gle Award), Food & Nutrition, French, Home Economics Management, Information Technology, Physics, Religious Edu-cation, Theatre Arts, Electronic Document Preparation and Manage-ment, Physical Education & Sport, Additional Mathematics and Building Technology (Const.).

Physical Education & Sports recorded 100% Grade One to Three pass rate, Manickchand noted. In the Home Economics subjects, she added, increases were recorded in all areas. “The pass rate in Food & Nutrition was 80.94% in 2013 and 88.12% in 2014. Significant improvement was noted in Clothing & Textiles from 2013 to 2014, where the Grades One to Three pass rate was 47.11% and 63.41%, respectively. Home Economics Management moved from 73.01% in 2013 to 88.97% in 2014,” she said.

She also highlighted the improvement in the Grades One to Three passes in French from 85.71% in 2013 to 88.65% in 2014 as well as Grade One to Three passes over 75% in Theatre Arts.

The Ministry reported that “satisfactory” performances were recorded in 19 subjects, where the Grades One to Three passes exceeded 50%, while Grades One to Four passes were in excess of 75%: Agricultural Science (DA), Biology, Caribbean History, Chemistry, Clothing & Textiles, Economics, English B, Geography, Integrated Science, Office Administration, Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business, Social Studies, Spanish, Technical Drawing, Human and Social Biology, Building Technology (Woods), Electrical & Electronic Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technology.

The Grades One to Three passes in Human and Social Biology improved from 61.38% in 2013 to 62.2% in 2014. However, there was a drop in Industrial Technology subjects. “Performances in Mechanical Engineering Technology moved from 78.62% in 2013 to 72.74% in 2014,” Manickchand added.

 Top Performing Schools

Queen’s College secured the highest pass rate, with 98.77%, while The Bishops’ High School came a close second with 98.7%.

Secondary Schools with pass rates of 80% and more included Anna Regina Multilateral, West Dem-erara Secondary, Zeeburg Secondary, Leguan Secon-dary, President’s College, Annandale Secondary, J C Chandisingh Secondary, Mackenzie High, Queen’s College, The Bishops’ High School, St Joseph High, St Stanislaus College, St Rose’s High, Central High and Brickdam Secondary.

Out of 192 candidates securing grade ones in 11 subjects and more, 50 of these students were from Queen’s College. The performances of the Bishops’ High School, Saraswati Vidya Niketan and Anna Regina Multilateral were also notable; these schools had 20, 18, and 17 candidates, respectively.

Queen’s College again topped the CAPE results, with two students gaining seven grades one.

Nine public schools had candidates who wrote CAPE subjects along with three private schools— the Saraswati Vidya Niketan, the New Guyana School and the Adult Education Association.

Students achieved a 100% pass rate in 12 units: Art & Design Unit 1; Electrical and Electronic Technology Unit 1; Environmental Science Unit 1; Food and Nutrition Unit 1; Geography Unit 1; Spanish Unit 1; Digital Media Unit 1; Food & Nutrition Unit 2; Geography Unit 2; Information Technology Unit 2; Literatures in English Unit 2 and Spanish Unit 2.

Further, in the following twenty-five Units the pass rate was 75% or higher with Grade 1 to 5 passes: Accounting Unit 1 and Unit 2; Applied Mathematics Unit 1 and Unit 2; Biology Unit 1 and Unit 2; Caribbean Studies Unit 1; Chemistry Unit 2; Communication Studies Unit 1; Computer Science Unit 1 and Unit 2; Economics Unit 1 and Unit 2; Environmental Science Unit 2; Information Technology Unit 1; Law Unit 1 and Unit 2; Literatures in English Unit 1; Management of Business Unit 1 and Unit 2; Physics Unit 1 and Unit 2; Pure Mathematics Unit 2; Sociology Unit 1 and Unit 2.

Pure Mathematics Unit 1 remained somewhat constant with 58.59% in 2013 and 57.73% in 2014, Manickchand stated.

Digital Media was written for the first time and there was a 100% pass rate, while over 95% pass rates were recorded in Caribbean Studies and Communication Studies.

Source: https://www.stabroeknews.com/2014/news/guyana/08/13/maths-passes-csec-improve-record-high/

Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination results are out and Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, who is in the celebratory mode, says Guyana has done well this year.
A tight-lipped Manickchand said the Ministry of Education Examination Department is still reviewing the results. And, it is difficult at this juncture to conclusively say which school topped the country. But, from all indications Region Two has done well again.

According to Manickchand, “The Government of Guyana is very pleased that the education policy of the People’s Progressive Party Civic over the last 20 years has realized equality of services.”
She related that not only students of the Senior Secondary Schools- Queen’s College, Bishop’s High, St. Stanislaus College, St. Rose’s High, and St. Joseph High School- are doing well. Schools in other areas such as Essequibo and Berbice are churning out students with exceptional grades. Nonetheless, she was unable to relate the performance of students who attended schools in the Hinterland.

Manickchand, who would be announcing the results on Tuesday in Essequibo, Region Two did not confirm or deny that this year’s top student is from Region Two. She said for inclusivity the Ministry would be going to other Regions to announce the results in coming years- this being the first.
The Minister added that when looking at top schools in its entirety, schools like Queen’s College would shine because the population is about 120 and many students usually write 12 or more subjects at one sitting.
Last year Sarah Hakh of Abrams Zuil Secondary School, Region Two, was the top student after obtaining 16 grade ones. She was followed by Jessica Anthony of Queen’s College, who gained 14 grade ones and two grade twos.

THE Progressive Youth Organisation, yesterday, issued a statement congratulating the ruling People’s Progressive Party on organising a successful congress which will pave the way for the PPP’s future development.

“We strongly endorse the call made, by the PPP’s General Secretary and President of Guyana Donald Ramotar, to ‘rise, organise and rebuild’ the party. The PYO itself will be continuing our own rebuilding, reshaping and re-energising efforts to better serve the Guyanese people. We wish to assure the President and the delegates of the 30th Congress that the PYO is ready to work with PPP activists and organisers across the country and we are willing to assist in whatever way possible,” the organisation stated.

According to Chairman of the PYO National Steering committee, Omar Sharif, the organisation will work assiduously in its effort to reorganise the PYO to respond to the challenges that confront our youth. 
Following deliberations with the scores of youths that attended the Congress as delegates and observers, Sharif said there was a unanimous call for the PYO to develop closer links with the PPP and for it to develop programmes aimed at improving the organisation and coordination, improving community services and educating members on political and economic issues pertaining to Guyana’s development. 
To this end, he said the PYO will be developing several projects that will culminate in the holding of its own Congress.
“We will work with the memory of Balram Khandhai, who, at just 18, was the victim of a terrorist act at the PPP’s 2002 Congress. His sacrifice cannot go in vain and we will rebuild a PYO that Balram would have been proud to serve. A PYO that is more vocal, more activist and fights for the rights of people like Balram Khandhai,” the PYO stated.

“We remain proud of the gains made under the ruling People’s Progressive Party which has seen youth becoming empowered; undergraduate, graduate and professional scholarships being offered to thousands of youths across the country; expansion of access to vocational training; job creation in traditional, and new areas; and better access to secondary and tertiary education.”

The PYO said it would also like to congratulate the ten new Central Committee Members, four of whom are members of the PYO National Steering Committee. This is recognition of the role of the PYO in nurturing and providing young leaders for the Party. 
“We would also like to congratulate President Donald Ramotar who secured the highest number of votes and reinforced his mandate as the leader of the PPP,” the organisation lauded.

Source: https://guyanachronicle.com/2013/08/10/pyo-congratulates-ppp-on-staging-of-successful-30th-congress-2

…but insists on replacement measure

Although the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) is not opposed to the removal of Corporal Punishment from the local school system, it is however insisting that a decision to ultimately halt the practice would require a “tried and proven” replacement.
This disclosure was made by President of the Union, Mr Colin Bynoe, during an interview with this publication.
According to him, “the GTU’s position is that we are not against removing it…but you’d better put in place measures to protect our teachers from the types of abuse children will want to mete out to them.”

Alluding to the situation of violence in the school system, Bynoe revealed that efforts have been made to discuss this challenge not only at the level of the Ministry of Education but even with Head of State, President Donald Ramotar.
“He (The President) had even said that he feels that the penalty for the offenders should be a bit more severe, even to the level of a jail sentence for a criminal offence,” Bynoe reflected.

This measure is crucial, the GTU President said, since it is expected that if teachers abuse children they are severely punished.  Similarly, he noted, those who seek to abuse teachers should be severely punished.
“Teachers are the ones who make all other professionals possible and if you can’t respect that individual, how much more can you learn without a teacher in the future?” questioned Bynoe.

He underscored that while it is possible for persons to be exposed to information technology, without the input of qualified teachers to work with them, they will not be able to absorb the ‘nitty gritty’ of the available technology.
Turning his attention back to the issue of Corporal Punishment, Bynoe lauded the move by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, to engage stakeholders at a national level. And according to him, the GTU was fortunate to participate in several of these fora which revealed that more than 90 per cent of the population are convinced that Corporal Punishment should remain in the school system.

However, this does not change the fact that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) continues to call for the abolition of Corporal Punishment on an international scale.
According to the CRC, Corporal Punishment is “any punishment in which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort, however light. Most involve hitting (“smacking”, “slapping”, “spanking”) children, with the hand or with an implement – whip, stick, belt, shoe, wooden spoon, etc. But it can also involve, for example, kicking, shaking or throwing children, scratching, pinching, biting, pulling hair or boxing ears, forcing children to stay in uncomfortable positions, burning, scalding or forced ingestion (for example, washing children’s mouths out with soap or forcing them to swallow hot spices). In the view of the Committee, corporal punishment is invariably degrading. In addition, there are other non-physical forms of punishment which are also cruel and degrading and thus incompatible with the Convention. These include, for example, punishment which belittles, humiliates, denigrates, scapegoats, threatens, scares or ridicules the child.”

Bynoe states however, “Guyana has got a particular culture, but we have got to be wary of how we adapt policies that other people are doing.” He observed though that “the Minister was smart enough to do what she did in terms of having national consultations, and she has gotten the data in order to know how to move forward and that is crucial.”
Even as the issue of Corporal Punishment remains in suspension mode in the National Assembly, the Ministry of Education has remained steadfast in embracing the practice in the school system.  In fact, Minister Manickchand, at a recent press conference, said that “the Ministry’s policy on Corporal Punishment hasn’t changed…it is allowed in school.”

She asserted that the use of Corporal Punishment in the school system is governed by regulated written policies that are in place.
According to her, “we have specific cases when Corporal Punishment could be inflicted, specific instruments that can be used and who should administer those blows.”
The issue of Corporal Punishment has over the past few years spurred much discussions and emotions, which was especially emphasised in 2009 when a Berbice teacher was accused of breaching the Ministry’s rules detailed in a document entitled ‘Maintenance of Order and Discipline in Schools/Alternative Forms of Punishment.’ The document categorically states, inter alia, that only a head-teacher can administer corporal punishment to students, or identify a senior teacher to so administer same in his or her presence.

But according to the Minister, the Ministry is ready and willing to be guided by the decision of Parliament on the matter. She disclosed that although the National Assembly, at a Tripartite Level, is looking at Corporal Punishment, generally there is specific attention being paid to the issue as it relates to the school system.
“This therefore means that all of the parliamentary parties are tasked with sitting around the table deciding what is best for Guyana as we go forward,” said Manickchand.
Additionally, she said that comments and views of individual members of the public and/or organisations are encouraged to help chart the way forward.

According to Chief Education Officer (CEO), Olato Sam, the input of teachers is very important to the process.
“Teachers’ opinions, thoughts and ideas have been factored-in in many of our decisions, but specifically in this one they play a key role,” he asserted, even as he alluded to his conviction that “…the compromise position we struck a number of years ago had to do with the wide array of feelings and opinions on this (Corporal Punishment).”
“I think people need to appreciate that we can’t just look at this on one level, but my position has always been that this is a national issue, not just a school issue,” said Sam.
He explained that since such decisions will have implications for how children will be treated in the general society, it is imperative that the attitude about corporal punishment take into consideration parents’ views and emotions as well.

Sam disclosed that several consultations on the issue have in fact produced varied opinions, even as he emphasised the importance of collaboration not only with teachers and parents, but the Parliament as well as international partners.

Source: https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2013/08/09/gtu-not-opposed-to-removing-corporal-punishment/

The Learning Channel owns 20 satellite dishes, 16 dish stands, 17 antennas, 17 receivers and purchased these, along with the service to install them, at a cost of $6.987 million from TVG.

Among the interior locations where the Channel reaches are Port Kaituma and Mabaruma in Region One, Mora Point in Region Seven, Mahdia in Region Eight and Lethem, Annai and Aishalton in Region Nine, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand said in a written response yesterday in the National Assembly to questions posed.

Several of the questions asked of the minister by opposition parliamentarians were previously answered and reported on in the media. The minister provided a copy of the contract between the government and TVG for the use of TVG’s teleport/transmission facilities to broadcast the Learning Channel.

Manickchand revealed that six full-time, six part-time and two temporary persons are employed at the Learning Channel. “All others, such as studio teachers and scriptwriters are contracted as needed. The Learning Channel hires the best skill available for the best price available,” she said. The minister said that the persons employed are from Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Orealla and Kwakwani.

She also revealed that the Learning Channel utilizes the GT&T tower at Benab and the Digicel tower at Mora Point for the broadcast of its programming.

Source: https://www.stabroeknews.com/2013/news/guyana/08/08/learning-channel-purchased-7m-in-equipment-services-from-tvg/

THE Status of Women Committee of the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) yesterday hosted their 36th Biennial Women’s conference at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

This event is a part of the programme of activities for the 36th Biennial Caribbean Union of Teachers Conference being hosted in Guyana from August 4-9, 2013 under the theme “Improving the professional status of teachers in the Caribbean” with participants from 24 Caribbean territories.
The women’s conference was held to discuss various issues affecting women in the Caribbean and to reflect on the achievements of the Status of Women Committee while crafting new strategies and activities. 
Delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the conference, Human Service and Social Security Minister, Jennifer Webster pointed out that the teaching profession has become one which is dominated by women and this is an indicator that women are taking up leadership positions at all levels of society.
Driving Change

Noting that teachers are the best persons to drive change in the education system and set higher standards more than ever before, she stated that teachers are uniquely placed since in many cases they spend more hours with children than their caregivers and parents. 
“It is you, our teachers who assist parents to instill values in our children and cultivate the moral fabric of our society. We must endeavour to work together to achieve gender equality in our respective societies,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Webster saluted teachers and all members of the teaching profession in Guyana and throughout the Caribbean for their commendable work and dedicated service which has had a significant impact on every profession and trade.

Making reference to the theme of the CUT conference, she pointed out that is quite a profound topic and over the next few days they will deliberate on many issues of concern to all of them. 
According to her, even the best curriculum and the most perfect syllabus would remain null without suitable teaching methods and good teachers.
She also maintained that a nation cannot afford to leave its future leaders in the hands of incompetent teachers and in this regard, governments across the Caribbean have been investing heavily in teachers’ training and development.
Webster highlighted that women are the backbone of every society and persons must recognise the struggles of past leaders who had over many decades fought and struggled to end discrimination and to ensure that the rights of women are upheld.

The Human Services Minster indicated that at the level of the international bodies, women’s rights are becoming more dominant and greater emphasis is being placed to ensure that women enjoy equal rights.
Addressing members of the teaching profession, Webster said that they need to embrace rather than shun technology in moulding the minds of the younger generation, since they need to be innovative in capturing students’ attention for the curriculum to remain relevant.
Curriculum Delivery via ICT
Highlighting that many students are versed in the use of technology through various mechanisms, she remarked that teachers must, therefore, recognise the need for developing and delivering the curriculum through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Webster stated that she is concerned about reports of teachers who abuse students and acknowledged that Education Minister, Priya Manickchand has taken a stand on this issue.
“This is a human tragedy and you are entrusted with the responsibility to protect, love and nurture our children and therefore you should ensure that our children are not abused. Similarly we must teach them not to abuse each other,” she declared.
She expressed hope that during the deliberations of the CUT conference there would be some pragmatic solutions to the problem of violence in schools, and urged them to address the role of the women since they are the ones who inculcate culture, ethics and the values in other members of the family, especially the children 
Webster commended the organisers of the women’s conference, particularly the Status of Women Committee, for hosting the event and extended a warm welcome from the President, Government and people of Guyana to those visiting Guyana for the conference.
Meanwhile, also making remarks at the opening of the conference, CUT President, Mr. Marvin Andall stated that despite the tremendous challenges faced by the Status of Women Committee, they have still managed to achieve a lot.

Pointing out that they have recognised that the committee is not a grand bashing ceremony against men as they would have preconceived, but in fact the issues that the women were dealing with had to do with justice, equality and human rights.
Andall urged the committee to continue their work despite the challenges they face and he expressed the hope that they can overcome them, since no union can function effectively without the hard work of its women.
He noted, however, that real production occurs when men and women work together, and they have recognized that while they organise sporting events for males, they do not do the same for female teachers, and the time has come for this to change.

Those present at the women’s conference included Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Chairperson and members of the Status of Women Committee, Education International, representatives of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and teachers unions from across the Caribbean, as well as representatives from the Police Wives Association and Women’s Affairs Bureau.

The ruling Peoples Progressive Party is heading to Berbice this weekend for one of its most crucial congress in its 50-year history.
One of the high points will be the elections of members of the Central Committee…some 35 of them, with another five as alternates.
This time Around, several longtime faces would be missing from the event, including Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, Janet Jagan, Moses Nagamootoo and Ralph Ramkarran.

Both Jagan and Persaud have died while Nagamootoo resigned and is now the Vice Chairman of the Opposition Alliance For Change. Ramkarran resigned last year June after falling out over a critical piece on corruption that he wrote in the party’s newspaper, The Mirror.
According to party officials, also most likely not seeking re-election are stalwarts Harripersaud Nokta, Clinton Collymore, Shirley Edwards, Cyril Belgrave, Feroze Mohamed and Philomena Sahoye-Shury.
The developments would essentially leave the door open for a number of young faces to join the Central Committee, observers say.

There are no guarantees of anyone, despite receiving popular votes, finding a place in the Executive Committee, which essentially makes the major decisions.
In the 2008 congress held at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, elected to the Executive Committee were Ali Baksh, Komal Chand, Navin Chandarpal,  Clinton Collymore, Janet Jagan, Bharrat Jagdeo, Dr. Roger Luncheon, Zulfikar Mustapha, Harripersaud Nokta, Reepu Daman Persaud, Robert Persaud, Ulric Ramanah, Ralph Ramkarran, Clement Rohee and Gail Teixeira.
Chandarpal is now reportedly ill.

Colin Croal, brother of Minister Robert Persaud and currently the Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Ministry, along with Nigel Dharamlall, and public relations official, Romel Roopnarine, are reportedly the new faces likely to vie for a place on the Central Committee.
Party insiders widely expect Priya Manickchand, the current Education Minister and daughter of Reepu Persaud, Dr. Vindya Persaud, to also make their bids.
It is unclear whether Bibi Shadick and Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, will be seeking places.

Insiders say that controversial Public Relations Officer, Kwame McCoy, who has been kept in the background recently at the Office of the President, is also reportedly signaling his intentions to be a part of the Central Committee.
The Congress would be an all-important one for the ruling party which wants to regain footing after losing its majority in the National Assembly following the 2011 elections.
The reasons for that loss and the plans for the next three years are all to be discussed during the Congress.
The executives are elected during the Central Committee’s first meeting after the Congress.
At the last Congress, former President Bharrat Jagdeo secured the highest number of votes with 777; followed by Janet Jagan 671; Frank Anthony 658; Ramotar 637 and Nagamootoo 595.
Dr. Roger Luncheon received 588 while Gail Teixeira was 558.
The 30th National Congress is to be held over three days, starting tomorrow, at the J.C Chandisingh Secondary School.

Source: https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2013/08/01/ppps-30th-congressold-stalwarts-out-young-blood-to-vie-for-leadership/