Disclaimer : All information is either in the public domain or provided by individuals. Edits and additions are welcome.
Please submit information via email address info@arssalumniassociation.com or WhatsApp : (592) 703-6558
Dr. Aubrey David Gooray, a notable Guyanese figure, is recognized for his contributions to both the medical field and his academic achievements. Originally from Essequibo, he has played a significant role in Guyana’s medical community, especially in fostering ties with international institutions. In 2014, Dr. Gooray was part of a delegation from Howard University Hospital’s Medical Association that visited Guyana, where they delivered educational lectures and forged partnerships with local healthcare professionals. He has also been active in continuing medical education, notably participating in medical events and conferences  .
Dr. Gooray’s contributions have been further recognized through his involvement in educational initiatives and fostering professional development for medical practitioners in Guyana
Beni Sankar, a prominent Guyanese entrepreneur, has made significant contributions to several key sectors in Guyana, particularly agriculture and aviation. Below are more specific details about his achievements:
Agriculture Contributions
1. Rice Industry Legacy:
Beni is part of the Sankar family, renowned for transforming Guyana’s rice industry. His father, Kayman Sankar, built one of the most successful rice empires in the country. Beni expanded the family legacy by modernizing operations and diversifying into other agricultural ventures.
2. Aquaculture Advocacy:
• Sankar operates a 50-acre aquaculture farm, where he breeds fish such as tilapia and pacu. He has been vocal about the challenges facing the aquaculture sector in Guyana, particularly the lack of access to advanced technology and government support.
• He has proposed the creation of a 1,000-acre aquaculture park with centralized facilities to assist small farmers with technology, feed, and market access. This initiative aims to empower local farmers and boost production .
3. Coconut Farming:
Sankar also ventured into coconut cultivation, recognizing the potential for coconut-based products in global markets. His focus is on sustainable farming practices to ensure long-term industry growth.
Aviation Leadership
• As the President of the Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana (AOAG), Sankar has contributed to the development of Guyana’s aviation industry. He advocates for the improvement of aviation safety, infrastructure, and policies to support local operators .
Economic Insights
• Sankar has been a critic of poorly managed government projects, particularly in the sugar industry, while acknowledging the sector’s importance. He emphasizes leveraging Guyana’s unique position to tap into global markets for agricultural products .
Vision and Advocacy
Beni Sankar envisions a future where Guyana’s agriculture and aquaculture industries are supported by modern technology and efficient government policies. He believes that with proper investments and management, these sectors could contribute significantly to the country’s economic development.
Pamela Lord, who represented Guyana at the Miss World competition in 1969 and placed third runner-up, is noted for her significant achievement in the international beauty pageant scene. She also won the Diwali Sari Pageant in 1968, highlighting her prominence in local cultural events before her international success.
Sir Lalljeet Ruplall: A Visionary Leader and Longest-Serving Headmaster of Anna Regina Secondary School
Sir Lalljeet Ruplall has profoundly impacted Anna Regina Secondary School (ARSS) through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to education. ARSS has achieved remarkable academic success, topping the country seven times and the Caribbean four times in the CSEC examinations. Four of these outstanding achievements were under the leadership of Sir Lalljeet Ruplall, while the other three were under the guidance of Miss Mohini and Sir Parmeshwar. His dedication to student development and progressive educational reforms has solidified the school’s status as a premier institution in Guyana and the wider Caribbean.
Early Life and Education
Sir Ruplall’s passion for education was evident from an early age. A former student of Anna Regina Secondary School, he attended the institution from 1986 to 1991, excelling in the Science Stream. His educational journey continued at college from 1993 to 1995, followed by an impressive academic career at the University of Guyana between 1999 and 2004, where he earned a Diploma in Banking and Finance and a Business Management degree.
Driven by a desire to continually enhance his leadership skills, he obtained a Certificate in Educational Management from the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration. Most recently, Sir Ruplall has undertaken a PhD in Education, exemplifying his commitment to lifelong learning and the betterment of the educational system.
Leadership at Anna Regina Secondary School
As headmaster, Sir Ruplall has brought a democratic leadership style to ARSS, fostering a culture of academic excellence, discipline, and holistic development. His innovative vision has driven the school to unparalleled success, ensuring its position as a leading educational institution in Guyana and the region.
Educational Reforms and Achievements
Under Sir Ruplall’s leadership, ARSS has implemented significant reforms to align education with the needs of an evolving world. Key achievements include:
Curriculum Development: Modernizing the curriculum to meet global standards and equip students with skills for the future.
Integration of Technology: Leveraging modern technology in classrooms to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
Holistic Development: Promoting extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service, to ensure students are well-rounded and prepared for life beyond school.
These initiatives have not only enhanced academic performance but also instilled confidence and versatility in students, enabling them to excel in diverse fields.
Community Engagement and Student Welfare
Sir Ruplall’s leadership extends beyond the school’s boundaries. He has fostered strong relationships with parents, local businesses, and community leaders, creating a supportive network for the students. His community outreach programs have provided students with valuable opportunities to contribute to society while gaining practical experience. This focus on community engagement has enriched the students’ educational journey and reinforced the school’s role as a vital part of the region.
Recognition and Legacy
Throughout his tenure, Sir Lalljeet Ruplall has been widely recognized for his contributions to education. His ability to inspire both staff and students has created a lasting legacy of academic excellence and community involvement.
Under his guidance, ARSS has continued to shine as a model institution, setting benchmarks for education in Guyana and beyond. His transformative leadership has left an enduring impact, ensuring that ARSS remains a beacon of excellence for generations to come.
His Legacy Stands as a Beacon of Excellence
Sir Lalljeet Ruplall’s journey from a student to the longest-serving headmaster of Anna Regina Secondary School is a testament to the transformative power of education and leadership. His dedication to academic innovation, holistic development, and community engagement has propelled ARSS to unprecedented heights.
As a visionary leader and lifelong learner, Sir Ruplall has not only shaped the future of countless students but also strengthened the foundation of an institution that continues to inspire and empower. His legacy stands as a beacon of excellence, preparing students to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.
Compiled and Written By : Alumni - Nazeefa Barakat (Final Year 2017)
In a world where careers are often fleeting and ambitions constantly shift, few individuals can lay claim to a lifetime of unwavering commitment to a single calling. For Ingrid Fung, teaching has been more than a profession—it is a remarkable fifty-five-year journey of shaping young minds, inspiring generations, and making an indelible mark on Guyana’s educational landscape.
Born in the tranquil village of Affiance on the Essequibo Coast, Ingrid Jennifer Fung (née Richards) might never have predicted the path her life would take. After tragically losing her mother at a young age, she and her two sisters were lovingly raised by their great-grandmother and great-aunts, who instilled in her values that would guide her throughout life.
Her time at Anna Regina Secondary remains a cherished chapter in Ingrid’s life, filled with fond memories that stayed with her long after she left its gates. She recalls the camaraderie among students and the sheer joy of engaging in extracurricular activities that fostered a strong sense of community. The school was a place where her love for learning blossomed and where lifelong friendships were forged. Ingrid often reflects that the nurturing environment at Anna Regina Secondary played a pivotal role in shaping her values.
Despite initially dreaming of a career as an air hostess, fate had other plans. Fresh from completing her studies at Anna Regina Secondary, an unplanned visit to a staff meeting at St. Theresa’s Anglican School would unexpectedly launch Ingrid into a career in teaching. Guided by the astute headmaster Basil Barnette Blair, she was encouraged to enrol at the Government Training College (now Cyril Potter College of Education), setting the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to education.
Upon completing her teacher training in 1972, Ingrid’s trajectory was one of continuous growth. Her career spanned roles at Queenstown Roman Catholic, Comenius Moravian, and most notably, St. Joseph High School in Georgetown, where she spent twenty-one transformative years. She rose from Assistant Mistress to Principal and led the school through its finest academic period and earned the admiration of both students and colleagues.
Ingrid’s journey was not without hardship. The untimely loss of her beloved husband, Patrick Fung, in 1991 left her as the sole caregiver for their five young children. Despite this heartbreak, she persevered, channelling her strength into both her family and her students.
Always committed to self-improvement, Ingrid pursued higher education in reading for a Bachelor's Degree in Education at the University of Guyana and later obtained a Master’s Degree in Education from Framingham State College in Massachusetts. Her legacy extends beyond the classroom. A national facilitator for teacher training programmes, Ingrid has guided countless educators in mastering the English curriculum. Her influence now spans generations, with students she taught in the 1980s proudly sending their own children to sit under her tutelage. Her expertise in English made her an invaluable resource, not only as a teacher but eventually as an Assistant Chief Examiner and Syllabus Consultant for the Caribbean Examinations Council in English Language.
Her contributions have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of her unparalleled service, she was awarded the Golden Arrow of Achievement by her country. True to her nature, Ingrid dedicated the award to everyone who played a role in her journey, saying, “My country honoured me, and today I want to dedicate this award to everyone who has contributed to who I am.”
Today, Ingrid remains a towering figure in education. Her role as a national treasure is solidified not just by accolades but by the countless lives she has touched. Former students fondly recall her as a "friend, mother, and a beacon of wisdom."
Ingrid Fung's story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the profound impact a teacher can have on society. Her enduring legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire educators and students alike for generations to come.
Judge Alli B. Majeed, originally from Guyana, is a retired Brevard County, Florida judge with a remarkable journey. Growing up in the 1950s in Anna Regina, Guyana, Majeed faced economic hardships but found inspiration through education. Thanks to local efforts, including support from a Peace Corps volunteer, he attended high school in Anna Regina and later pursued higher education in the United States. He graduated magna cum laude from Howard University and obtained his law degree from Catholic University.
Judge Majeed became the first judge of East Indian descent in Florida. Appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles in 1993, he served the Brevard community for over two decades. Known for innovative sentencing practices and compassion, he frequently sought to instill life lessons in those appearing before him, encouraging acts of community service and self-reflection.
Majeed retired in 2016 but remains celebrated for his dedication to justice and his inspirational life story—from a rice farmer in Guyana to a respected member of the American judiciary.
Barbara Lemoine is a prominent figure associated with the Natraj Center for the Performing Arts in Queens, New York. She played a significant role in founding the organization in 1989 alongside other community members. Her vision was to provide a platform for young dancers to develop and showcase their talents while staying connected to their Indian cultural heritage.
As a leader of the center, Lemoine has helped it grow into a hub for traditional Indian dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and folk dances, while also incorporating modern influences. Under her guidance, the Natraj Center has gained international acclaim, with performances at prestigious events like the Nirvana Dance Festival in Guyana.
Lemoine’s dedication has not only nurtured artistic talent but also fostered cross-cultural understanding and appreciation through dance.
Shefali Seecharran graduated from Anna Regina Secondary School (ARSS) in 2009 with an impressive academic record—16 CSEC subjects, including nine Grade Ones, six Grade Twos, and one Grade Three. Her performance reflected not only academic strength, but also the discipline and drive that would continue to define her journey beyond ARSS.
After completing her studies at ARSS, Shefali advanced to Queen’s College, where she pursued CAPE in Natural Sciences. She later earned a degree in Chemistry from the University of Guyana and went on to complete a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Finance.
Today, Shefali serves as the Business Processes and Systems Manager at Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL). Alongside her corporate responsibilities, she is also a committed advocate for the development of hinterland youth, working to expand access and opportunities for young people from remote regions of Guyana.
When asked about her proudest accomplishments, Shefali shared a deeply personal reflection:
“My accomplishments are merely a result of the values instilled in me from my humble beginnings (which includes my time at ARMS), and so I am most proud of my ability to recognize, learn and use those tools well in life.”
She describes her experience at Anna Regina Secondary School as transformative—one that extended well beyond academics:
“ARMS was not just a secondary school that afforded me CXC passes. It was the entity that moulded my young mind into a higher level of understanding of life. Its lessons were of how to be simple but intricate, how to problem-solve and critically think through situations. It is an institution that allowed me to see failures and challenges as just another thing to solve. This, I believe, was the most treasured tool given to me to build my foundation in life.”
To current students, she offers sincere and encouraging advice:
“Be a sponge—absorb everything ARMS has to teach. Learn how to be and how not to be. Don’t worry about material things; instead, learn values. Find and become yourself. And, in the process, have lots of fun.”
Shefali Seecharran’s story is one of grounded ambition, lifelong learning, and a deep appreciation for the lessons that began at Anna Regina Secondary School. She continues to carry the values of the school into her career, her advocacy, and her journey forward.
Yeeshana A. Ganpat, a 2010 graduate of Anna Regina Secondary School (ARSS), remains one of the school’s most outstanding academic achievers. She wrote 14 subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level, earning 13 Grade Ones (including 11 distinctions) and one Grade Two.
Following her exceptional performance at CSEC, she pursued higher education in the medical field, earning a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Guyana. She later completed a Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom.
Yeeshana’s professional journey has taken her across borders. She previously served as a Medical Intern at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (2018–2019) and later as a Clinical Instructor at St. George’s University in Grenada (2021–2025). During this time, she was actively involved in academic research and co-authored a peer-reviewed article published in Medicina — a notable accomplishment in her growing medical career. Read the article here. https://www.mdpi.com/3243760
She is now set to begin a new chapter in the United Kingdom as a Foundation Year 2 doctor with the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust in England.
When asked what she considers her proudest achievement, Yeeshana humbly noted that it’s not a single milestone, but the personal growth and values developed along the way. “My education and experiences have helped me grow into someone who values humility and treats others with genuine respect. That, for me, is invaluable.”
Reflecting on her time at Anna Regina Secondary School, Yeeshana credits the school for shaping her far beyond the academic sphere. “It was where I learned to balance hard work with self-discovery, where I learned resilience and how to cope with expectations without losing sight of who I am,” she shared. “Perhaps most importantly, it helped me find confidence in my own values, which guide me today.”
She also offers this heartfelt message to current students:
“Your journey may seem daunting now, but soon, it will culminate in that proud moment when you walk across the graduation stage, beaming with pride—knowing you overcame and triumphed. So, be patient with yourselves. Trust in your ability to see the obstacles ahead, not as hindrances, but as opportunities to learn, grow, and become stronger than you ever imagined.”
Yeeshana A. Ganpat’s story is a testament to what is possible with dedication, integrity, and a strong foundation. We proudly celebrate her accomplishments.
Darshanie Lall graduated from Anna Regina Secondary School in 2010 with a solid academic foundation—successfully completing 14 CSEC subjects with ten Grade Ones, three Grade Twos, and one Grade Three. Her determination and work ethic at ARSS would later fuel an inspiring path through legal education and public service.
In 2013, she began her legal studies at the University of Guyana and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 2017. Her academic performance placed her among the top 25 students in her class, earning her a place at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago, where she obtained her Legal Education Certificate in 2019. In 2024, she completed a Master of Laws degree from the University of East London, expanding her expertise in the legal field.
After being admitted to the Bar on October 11, 2019, Darshanie returned to the Essequibo Coast, where she worked with the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic until the end of 2023. Reflecting on that experience, she shared, “While taking the oath as an Attorney-at-Law was one of the proudest moments of my life, I am especially proud of my work with the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic, where I was given the opportunity to return to the Essequibo Coast to serve my people.” She emphasized the value of helping those who could not afford legal services and being a voice for individuals from different minority groups. She states, “Despite having left the Essequibo Coast, I am always ready and willing to render legal services to persons there.”
In 2024, she transitioned to Georgetown, where she served as a Legal Officer at the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). She is currently an Attorney-at-Law at the Guyana Revenue Authority.
Darshanie credits ARSS as a foundational part of her personal and academic development. “It served as the foundation where my personal growth and resilience were nurtured,” she shared. “The ARSS provided me with a crucial window of opportunity to develop not only academically but also as a well-rounded individual, and for that, I am eternally grateful. I proudly say that I am a product of ARSS.”
To current students, she offers the following advice:
“Your secondary school years may be challenging as you grapple with self-discovery, academic pressure, social dynamics, and developing your identity. These challenges are valuable learning experiences that will help shape your future. Trust in your abilities and know that you are capable of overcoming the challenges. Additionally, take advantage of the various opportunities ARSS offers and do not limit yourself to academics only. Participate in dancing, debating, sports, and clubs as these activities will enrich your experience.”
From her beginnings on the Essequibo Coast to her growing legal career, Darshanie Lall exemplifies service, perseverance, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.
From the classrooms of Anna Regina Secondary School (ARSS) to the frontlines of patient care and pharmaceutical entrepreneurship, Safia Khan-Mohamed has carved out a remarkable journey rooted in academic excellence, resilience, and community service.
Safia graduated from ARSS in 2010 with an exceptional CSEC performance—14 subjects, including 12 Grade Ones (eight with distinctions) and two Grade Twos. She was recognized as the second-best graduating student of ARSS, placed second in Region Two, and ranked sixth nationally. Notably, she was also awarded Best Mathematics Student at CXC for Multi.
After high school, Safia pursued higher education at the University of Guyana, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy. In 2015, she graduated as the Best Graduating Pharmacist and received the prestigious Jaiwantie Bacchus Student of Excellence Award from the Guyana Pharmacists Association.
In 2016, Safia married fellow ARSS alumnus Ameer Mohamed, and together they began a new chapter that blended family, shared values, and a commitment to building something meaningful. In 2017, Safia launched SKM Pharmaceuticals—the first location opened in Cotton Field, Essequibo Coast. Her entrepreneurial vision continued to grow, and by 2023, she expanded to Region Four with a second location in Grove, East Bank Demerara.
Safia has built a thriving healthcare business rooted in service, accessibility, and community impact. “As a pharmacist and entrepreneur, I’m most proud of building a business that not only delivers exceptional patient care but also uplifts my community,” Safia shared. “Through my passion for healthcare, I’ve been able to make meaningful differences in the lives of others while advancing my profession.” Her work continues to uplift communities, particularly her fellow Essequibians.
Reflecting on her time at ARSS, Safia attributes much of her success to the values instilled during her school years. “I'm grateful for the strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and values that ARSS instilled in me. Through its emphasis on character development, I learned the importance of empathy, kindness, and respect for others. These experiences not only enriched my academic journey but also instilled in me a sense of social responsibility, humility, and compassion, enabling me to make a positive impact in people’s lives through my entrepreneurial work in the healthcare sector.”
To current students, she offers this heartfelt advice:
“Remember to stay focus on your goals and prioritize your studies. Celebrate your successes and the people who helped you to get there, no matter how small. Build meaningful relationships with your peers and teachers. These connections will serve you well beyond your time at ARSS. Remember it is ok to stumble, to make mistakes and to learn from them but most importantly stay true to yourself and believe in your potential.”
Anna Regina Secondary School proudly proudly recognizes Safia Khan-Mohamed for her outstanding accomplishments, her commitment to community, and her enduring legacy as a role model for future generations of students.