Dear Editor,

Queen’s College (QC) is loved by all of its alumni. Those who have served on the Old Student’s Association and the Board have always been very generous with their time and have been held in high regard by the populace, the student body, alumni, teachers and parents. The concerns being raised in the press around the planned investment to refurbish QC due to neglect does give pause.

There is an opportunity to have a design competition, where the best architects in the country can present their ideas of what a refurbished west wing of the school should look like. There are also traditions of the school that should be preserved and incorporated into the design, with consideration being given to the long-term strategy of the school. Having a transparent and inclusive process that covers from the design concept to the finished work will bring a wealth of ideas and benefits to everyone involved. The incorporation of the new safety requirements such as a sprinkler system, fire hoses and fire extinguishers will also help start the process to get the school up to first world standards.

The music room can also be upgraded to incorporate recording equipment and a recording studio. There are many possible options to consider and it will help the QC Stage Society and fellow students discover sound / audio engineering. A great developmental opportunity that also aligns with the recent plans expressed by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. The Board of Governors is doing a great job by taking the initiative to identify and accelerate the refurbishment / upgrades urgently needed at the school. As in most things, maintaining a cooperative culture that is cordial, transparent and inclusive throughout the process will help retain the enthusiasm and care shown for QC’s structure, its occupants and what it represents as the top school in the country.

The implementation phase of the project should also ensure that everyone involved with the school will continue to feel appreciated and welcomed to continue to work towards the betterment of QC. Everyone’s dedication towards our Alma Mater inspires us all to be faithful and useful everywhere.

Sincerely,

Jamil Changlee

Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana