Guyana’s sweeping initiative to revitalize its education infrastructure has hit an unexpected roadblock, leading to the postponement of several schools’ reopening. In a memo recently obtained by this publication, the country’s Chief Education Officer, Saddam Hussain, attributed the delay directly to contractors’ inability to complete their work on time. He provided no specific details regarding the challenges faced.
This year, the Guyanese government embarked on a monumental task of renovating, rehabilitating, repairing, constructing, and reconstructing more than 1100 schools across the nation. The initiative aimed to create an improved and conducive learning environment for students.
However, as the nation eagerly awaits the commencement of the new school year on September 4, 2023, it has become clear that eight schools will not be ready to welcome students due to ongoing infrastructural work. The delay is undeniably disappointing, but the Chief Education Officer assured that measures are in place to offset any potential loss of instructional time. The affected schools will promptly inform stakeholders of their revised opening dates.
Here is the list of schools affected by the delay and their respective revised opening dates:
