New Onderneeming Primary School and Exceptional Learners’ Centre Opened Amidst CDB President’s Visit
Today marked a significant milestone in Guyana’s educational landscape with the commissioning of two new educational institutions: the Exceptional Learners’ Centre at Cotton Field and the Onderneeming Primary School. This development comes on the heels of a productive three-day visit by Mr. Daniel Best, the newly appointed President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). His visit concluded with various developmental discussions with the Guyanese Government, including a meeting with President Dr. Irfaan Ali.
During the visit, President Ali and Mr. Best, along with a delegation of government ministers, toured several project sites in Region Two (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) before the opening ceremonies. The new facilities were part of a collaborative effort between the CDB and the Guyanese Government aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure.
In his address at the Exceptional Learners’ Centre, President Ali reiterated the Government’s commitment made in 2020 to support children with special needs. He acknowledged the challenges faced by parents and expressed his determination to not only listen but to deliver tangible results. “You have shown that you can trust us,” he affirmed, emphasizing the necessity of investment in education, including free training opportunities for teachers and special needs educators through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).
Mr. Best expressed his happiness at the opening of the two schools, highlighting the significance of the Exceptional Learners’ Centre as a testament to the government’s dedication to inclusive education under President Ali’s leadership. He underscored the importance of education as a fundamental right for all children, regardless of their abilities.
At the Onderneeming Primary School’s opening ceremony, Minister Singh spoke about the concept of “One Guyana,” which reflects the government’s holistic approach to inclusivity across various dimensions of society, including education. He mentioned ongoing efforts to ensure that all children, particularly those with disabilities, receive quality education. “We are enhancing our school feeding program and ensuring access to necessary textbooks for all students,” he noted, highlighting progress that had not been achieved before.
Prior to the school openings, Dr. Singh and a team from the Ministry of Finance engaged with Mr. Best and his delegation to discuss further collaborative projects, including the Linden to Mabura Road and the Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute at Port Mourant, Berbice. Dr. Singh welcomed Mr. Best, congratulating him on his new role and acknowledging the CDB’s steadfast support for Guyana as a founding member of the bank.
Mr. Best explained that Guyana was his first destination because of the diverse projects in the country and its promising economic trajectory. He affirmed that Guyana’s commitment to the Caribbean community is strong, and the partnership between the CDB and Guyana is poised for further growth and collaboration.
The CDB President’s visit aimed to reinforce the Bank’s commitment to national development goals in Guyana, opening up avenues for dialogue on economic priorities and exploring opportunities for expanded partnership through assistance and lending programs.
