On Monday, the Government Technical Institute (GTI) became the latest recipient of a newly equipped Zara computer laboratory, commissioned by President of Zara Realty Holding Inc, Ken Subraj.
The lab is expected to provide the students with the tools and equipment needed to gain hands-on experience and specialised knowledge in the rapidly advancing field of technology. It features a server and units that are loaded with licensed software programmes and can be used as a model to have persons trained across the various regions.
Subraj’s commitment to education and his steadfast support for Guyana’s technical and vocational sectors were demonstrated in 2023 with the construction of the Ken Subraj-Zara Technical Centre, a three-storey building that was handed over to GTI.
Acting Principal of GTI, Tiffanie Charles-Persaud, in her address, stated that the occasion was not merely a celebration of the inauguration of a new computer lab but also a milestone in the history of the institute. Persaud emphasised that the event symbolises more than just a physical space; it embodies a forward-thinking vision aimed at equipping students with essential skills necessary to succeed in Guyana’s rapidly growing economy. She noted that the development of the industry holds promise for sustainable growth and prosperity for Guyana, which would be incomplete without the skilled workforce that can support and lead it, hence, the importance of an institution such as GTI. The Acting Principal pointed out that this initiative strengthens the institute’s curriculum, bridging the gap between classroom learning and the real-world application of skills, and thanked Subraj for the contribution of computer systems and a state-of-the-art server to the lab. She also spoke of his commitment to supporting education in country, particularly in the fields most relevant to Guyana’s current and future economic growth and that his belief in the power of technical education and his pivotal role in Guyana’s development truly sets him apart as a visionary and a philanthropist.
Coordinator of Ken Subraj Investments, Richard Mahase, disclosed that some 30 units were cleared from a container with a server, projector and power surge protectors.
Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical), Ritesh Tularam, delivered the feature address on behalf of Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand. Tularam congratulated the Subraj’s family on yet another ground-breaking investment in the education sector, emphasising that the building was not funded by the ministry.
“The Ministry of Education did not invest one cent into this facility … We have a responsibility to ensure that we maximise and utilise the facility to its fullest so the students that we have now and the ones to come will be able to benefit from the state-of-the-art facility.”
Meanwhile, Coordinator of the Guyana Police Force Academy Zara Computer Centres, Gladwin Hanover, told the gathering that the main pillar that has kept the relationship strong is maintenance as Zara would conduct site visits to ensure that the standards of the buildings are maintained.
“The relationship’s potential extends far beyond its initial stages. It holds the capacity to evolve and mature into something far greater than what can be currently envisioned”, he said.
The Zara team has expanded its efforts by commissioning ten additional computer labs throughout Guyana. While the initial objective was to establish ten labs, the focus has since shifted to ensuring a Zara lab in every region of the country.
Currently, Zara labs are present in regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Nine, and Ten. Only two regions remain without a Zara lab. In Region One, the construction of the lab is already complete and awaits equipment installation, leaving Region Eight as the only region where a Zara lab is yet to be constructed. The Guyana Police Force currently uses these labs across Guyana to conduct the online driver examinations.
“We have, on a rough estimate, we have had in excess of 7,000 people that would have already taken the driver exam in one lab alone. The lab in Georgetown had in excess of 4,000 persons. We started to offer our police entrance exam. So, our recruitment is now online. Whereas our previous issue that we had in our examination, both the driver and the police exam, it was a test of integrity.
Some persons would complain that the integrity of the exam is not there. But in our labs, you can take the exam and as soon as you click `complete’, your grade is right before your eyes. There is no human intervention or no one to accuse the police force or anyone of tampering with your grade.”
The Zara Realty Holding Inc President in his brief remarks, told the students that education can only be obtained where there is the desire.
“It’s not going to come to you like that, you got to want it. You have to want this education; you have to pursue it”, he urged.
And Executive Vice President of Zara Realty Holding Inc, Dr Jay Subraj, disclosed that GTI was the educational backbone for the Subraj family. Out of 10 siblings, seven attended GTI many years ago, with Ken attending the institute in back in 1956.
