In a landmark move to enhance secondary education in Region 10, government officials on Monday turned the sod for the construction of the new $2.6 billion Christianburg Multilateral School in Linden. The project, funded by the World Bank, represents a major investment in Guyana’s educational infrastructure and is expected to transform learning opportunities for the region’s youth.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Education Minister Priya Manickchand, and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill led the ceremony, which was attended by community members, educators, and students. The contract, valued at US$12.8 million, was awarded to China Jiangxi Electric Power Construction Company, with completion targeted within 17 months.
The new facility will replace the longstanding Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School, which has struggled with overcrowding and outdated infrastructure for years. Once completed, the modern campus will accommodate 1,000 students and feature 35 classrooms, science and technology laboratories, a multipurpose and agriculture hall, an administrative block, and other upgraded amenities.
Prime Minister Phillips, delivering the feature address, emphasized the government’s commitment to preparing Guyana’s youth for the future. “This school will also speak to where we are going as a country. The true measure of our development is how well we prepare our people to lead and innovate,” he said. He also commended teachers for their dedication and urged them to continue fostering curiosity and trust among students.
Education Minister Manickchand highlighted that the new school is part of a broader national initiative to achieve universal secondary education. By the end of 2025, 22 new secondary schools are expected to be operational across Guyana, serving both coastal and hinterland communities. She noted that the Christianburg Multilateral School is unique in the country for its CAPE animated design, reflecting a focus on both access and quality.
World Bank Representative Diletta Doretti underscored the importance of investing in education during Guyana’s ongoing economic transformation. “Investing in people is the most important investment a country can make,” Doretti remarked, calling the project a catalyst for equity and job creation.
Construction of the new school will begin immediately, marking a significant step forward for education in Linden and the wider Region 10. The project is widely seen as a symbol of Guyana’s commitment to inclusive development and the empowerment of its next generation.
