Dear Editor,
One could not help feeling saddened about the events at President’s College. This institution was established in 1985, the brainchild of former President Burnham, and was designed to facilitate the educational advancement of young people who had achieved outstanding results at the Secondary Schools Entrance Examination (SSEE). Irrespective of the family’s financial situation, it provided food, books, accommodation, etc, to allow for the proper development of a student’s full potential.
As part of a philosophy to damage the legacy of Burnham, this excellent initiative has over the years been undermined. This is sad, because the victims of this crassness and sheer stupidity are our young innocent Guyanese. Recall in this process to diminish Burnham’s efforts, one member of the PPP appointed to the Board of Governors wanted the portraits of all Guyana’s presidents to hang alongside that of Burnham in the school.
Let us hope and pray that a sense of decency will prevail and allow the present government to restore the lofty ideals that allowed the establishment of President’s College in the first place.
On an unrelated matter, I see a letter from Mr VO Patrick referring to Lady Guymine in Stabroek News (June 11) which says that Lady Guymine was never given a national award.
Lady Guymine – Monica Chopperfield – was undoubtedly an icon in the male-dominated calypso world. Mr Patrick is incorrect about the award, however, since I recall in 1982 she was awarded a Medal of Service, and had she not migrated I am sure would have had that upgraded.
At the funeral service conducted by Councillor Hector Stoute, a rank from the Guyana Defence Force in full ceremonial uniform was present with her medal to honour her.
Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green, JP,
Mayor
