Georgetown: As the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), observes 50 years in existence, the country has earned the right to celebrate such a milestone as the school has been able to churn out some of the most distinguish graduates.
Building on the first ever curriculum which was designed by the late Harry Madramootoo, the school of agriculture has significantly transformed over the years to include some the most advanced research areas of study.
Speaking during the event, Ignatius Jean, IICA’s representative to Jamaica and a past student of GSA, reminded the students that a good quality education is the best investment a persons can have, alluding to the fact that in building any edifice a strong foundation is essential.
“During my years at GSA, I have learned so much, many of which have helped me today in my field of expertise….i must therefore comment the Government for embarking on such a decision to establish the GSA…I don’ know of any other course which gives a solid, wider spectrum as GSA,” Jean said.
IICA’s representative in closing remarks, urged the students to cease every opportunity given with the aim of better building a solid Caribbean Region.
Public Works Minister, Hon. Robeson Benn, son of the late Agriculture Minister Brindley Benn recalled some of the hurdles which had to be crossed during the 1963 era.
He also pointed to the role the school has played, and continues to play in the development of agriculture in Guyana.
“Government will now be looking at how we can sustain agriculture development in the near future…. even as we salute the visionary founders of the Guyana School of Agriculture the legacy is now for you the young students to carry on,” Minister Benn reminded.
Meanwhile, the feature address was delivered by Agriculture Minister Hon. Leslie Ramsammywho in echoing the call for the school to build on past achievements, underscored that Guyana has much to celebrate.
He pointed to the fact that the Guyana School of Agriculture is a concrete example of development – one which has aided the country to once again return to its state of glory in being the food contributors to the region.
“The Guyana School of Agriculture Ladies and Gentlemen, students not only performed to expectation, but rather was part of a developmental trajectory which started on September 9, 1963 and one which continues still today,” he said.
Minister Ramsammyposited that the future students have a legacy to carry on, as it is the aim of Government to industrialized agriculture and ensure it is a model Caribbean country can look toadapt.
The students was challenged by the Agriculture Minister, to ensure that by 2014, locally made goat cheese will be in supermarkets around Georgetown and later on expanded.
Citing the need for more to be done, Minister Ramsammychallenged the Private Sector to be more integrally involved to ensure that locally made products from the Guyana School of Agriculture is market regionally and internationally.
The event also saw a magazine being launched in observance of its 50th anniversary observance which is being held under the theme, “Proud of the Past, Preparing for the future.”
After the official ceremony, autographed copies of the magazine were handed over to the families of several persons who have made significant contributions to the Guyana School of Agriculture.
You must be logged in to post a comment.