Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, recently launched the construction of the $215, 802, 200 George Tancredo Nappi Secondary School in Nappi, Region Nine.
This new educational institution is a transformative project aimed at advancing the quest for universal secondary education in our country and particularly in Guyana’s hinterland regions.
The school will cater to 300 students from the villages of Nappi, Hiawa, and Parishara, offering Grades 7 to 11 and eliminating the need for children to travel to St. Ignatius for secondary education.
The school, named in honor of the late toshao George Tancredo, reflects the community’s desire to commemorate his dream of bringing a secondary school to Nappi. Tancredo tirelessly championed the cause, envisioning a future where children in his village could access quality education close to home.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Manickchand highlighted the significance of this development.
“When you can have a school in this village where your children can be educated safely and comfortably, today the Tancredo dream is coming true. Today, we know the cries and the pleas of George Tancredo will not go in vain, because that’s how we lead. We hear you, we listen to you, and we never fail to take into consideration what it is you want.”
The contract for the project has been awarded to Beerdat Harrinandan through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), following all regulations outlined in the Procurement Act. Construction is scheduled to be completed within nine months.
In her address to the contractor, Minister Manickchand emphasized the importance of timely delivery and high-quality work.
“For you, this is a project, but for us, this is changing lives for the children of Nappi, Hiawa, and Parishara. We want to see good work, which is what you’re being paid to do, and why you signed a contract. We want to see it on time and at cost. Don’t overrun your time, don’t overrun your cost, and give us solid work.” For his part the contractor said he had enough material on the ground to have him continue the works at a pace that would see him finishing as per contractual date.
The construction of the school is also providing employment opportunities for the village, as labor is being sourced exclusively from within the community. This approach ensures that the project benefits local families beyond education, fostering economic growth and community empowerment.
During a meeting with villagers, teachers, parents, and students, Minister Manickchand underscored the government’s commitment to providing the necessary resources for the holistic development of hinterland communities. She described the potential of Nappi and its surrounding villages, emphasizing the importance of education as a pathway to limitless possibilities.
“Your village has the capacity to produce the president of this country, to produce doctors, to produce lawyers, farmers, accountants—anything your children want to be. But you can only achieve that if you have the resources. What are those resources? You need to have a school to sit in. And when you sit in that school, you need a strong, solid, high-quality education with trained teachers. And then we must support your parents and the students to ensure they can benefit fully and enjoy the experience thoroughly.”
The George Tancredo Nappi Secondary School will stand as a symbol of the community’s determination to provide better opportunities for their children. It is part of the Ministry of Education’s larger initiative to achieve Universal Secondary Education in Guyana. In Region Nine alone, seven secondary schools are currently under construction, including Karasabai, Maruranau, Tabatinga, Massara, Yupukari, and Katoka.
These investments reflect the government’s belief that education is the foundation for national progress and individual empowerment. By addressing disparities in access and quality, particularly in hinterland regions, the government aims to create a more equitable education system where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
The George Tancredo Nappi Secondary School will not only provide access to education but also honor a visionary leader whose dream of uplifting his community through education is finally being realized (Ministry of Education press release)
