Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud and Dr Arlington Chesney, Executive Director, Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute, yesterday presented the CARDI/CXC Award for 2010, which included a US$250 cheque, to former New Amsterdam Secondary (Multilateral) School student, Sarah Khemraj.
The 17-year-old said that she found preparations for her examinations very challenging but managed to excel with the help of her teachers, parents and God.
She further noted that she is currently attending the University of Guyana at the Tain campus where she is pursuing an associate degree in biology.
She said that she hopes to later work in the field of medicine.
The girl’s former teacher, Rosanne Williams, declared that the child was always “easy to teach.” She said that her student came with her knowledge and because of her strong religious background, she was always disciplined, she met deadlines and she understood the importance of learning.
Dr. Chesney in his remarks said that it was commendable that since this initiative was taken three years ago, this is the third time that a Guyanese student has won this award. He further mentioned that although some may think there is a ‘mix up’ because both he and the minister are Guyanese, this is not the case. The person is elected by the CXC, Chesney noted. He further praised Khemraj for being a well-rounded student, achieving 10 grade ones and 1 grade 2 at her CSEC examinations. He considered the youngster to be “well deserving” of the award.
Meanwhile, Minister Persaud expressed pride in seeing yet another Guyanese taking the prize. He also reminded persons that Guyana is the major agricultural nation within CARICOM and noted that he would perhaps be disappointed if the Guyanese students, our emerging leaders, did not give this area major priority. Persaud also commended CARDI for taking on this initiative.
“We do hope that it will encourage and inspire more young people to get into the field of agriculture both from the academic learning standpoint but more so in the practical area,” he added.
