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)

Mohinie Ramlakan is a distinguished Guyanese educator and community leader whose contributions to education and religious life in the Essequibo region have left a lasting legacy. Known for her resilience, professionalism, and quiet strength, she has broken barriers and helped shape young minds with unwavering dedication.  

She served as Head Teacher of Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School (ARMS) from 2005 to 2010, becoming the first appointed female head teacher at the institution—a groundbreaking achievement in itself. Her leadership at ARMS focused on academic integrity, student empowerment, and staff development. She returned to the school in a different capacity as Administrator from 2012 to 2019, continuing to provide guidance and stability to one of Region Two’s most respected educational institutions.

Her work extended beyond the classroom. Mohinie has been a long-standing contributor to the regional and national education system. She served as a CSEC Mathematics marker, and was a pilot planner for the Religious Education syllabus, playing a key role in shaping the way religious education is taught across the Caribbean. In 2010, she was also part of the team that evaluated CSEC examinations, contributing to quality assurance and curriculum refinement.

Outside of the education system, Mohinie was a pillar of religious and cultural life in Essequibo. She served as the Secretary for the Essequibo Praant of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha from 1996 to 2012, helping to organize events, promote cultural literacy, and support youth and community engagement within the Hindu community.

She is also a Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits, serving in this capacity for the past 15 years—further demonstrating her dedication to public service and civic responsibility.

Despite challenges and periods of personal struggle, Mohinie Ramlakan remains a symbol of perseverance and quiet leadership. Her journey reflects a lifelong commitment to education, cultural heritage, and the betterment of her community—especially as a woman forging new paths in leadership roles traditionally held by men.

Her story is a testament to strength through service and an inspiration to educators and leaders across Guyana.

Remembering Mr. Karl Brown: First Principal of Anna Regina Government Secondary School

Karl Brown’s story is one of remarkable achievement, quiet dedication, and profound influence. Born in Georgetown, Guyana, under humble circumstances, Karl’s early academic promise was recognized by a keen head teacher who guided him toward earning a government scholarship to Queen’s College in 1936. It was the start of an extraordinary journey in education and leadership.

After graduating in 1943, Karl became an assistant master at Queen’s College in 1946. His dedication to learning and growth led to a British Council scholarship, which took him to Aberdeen University in Scotland. There, he earned his MA Honours in Geography in 1956, followed by a Diploma in Education from Edinburgh the next year.

While in Aberdeen, Karl met and became engaged to fellow student Moira McRobb, who later became not only his wife but also his lifelong partner in education. They married in Georgetown on December 23, 1957, and had three children—Alison, Andrew, and Kaye.

In the late 1950s and early 60s, with the expansion of secondary education in Guyana, Karl was appointed the founding headmaster of Anna Regina Government Secondary School (now ARSS). He served in this role from 1961 to 1965, laying the academic and cultural foundation of the institution. Alongside his wife Moira, the couple played a pioneering role in shaping the school’s foundation. Karl taught Geography—and at times Art and Biology—while Moira, also a graduate with an MA from Aberdeen, taught a variety of subjects, as the school faced a shortage of qualified teachers in its early years.

They were educators in the truest sense: resourceful, committed, and deeply invested in the students of Essequibo. Their work extended beyond the classroom. During the turbulent period of inter-racial riots, Karl was among the community leaders who worked to maintain peace, touring the region and urging calm.

In 1965, concerned about the country’s future, the Browns migrated back to Aberdeen, where Karl resumed teaching at Aberdeen College in adult education until his retirement in 1989. Even in retirement, he remained connected to his Guyanese roots and continued supporting alumni activities. In 1997, former students of ARSS in Toronto organized an international reunion to honour Karl and Moira, raising funds to host them for an all-expense-paid visit to Canada. It was a fitting tribute to two people who had transformed lives and inspired dreams.

A letter of gratitude from the Browns at the time read:

“You have all made our dream come true, and the dream tells us that appreciation, love and friendships can span years and miles in an instant... We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”

Karl passed away on July 5, 2011, and Moira on October 13, 2024. Their impact, however, continues to live on through the generations of students they taught and mentored.

Perhaps the most touching tribute comes from one of Karl’s former students, Judge A.B. Majeed, who wrote:

“His contribution to our intellectual awakening cannot be measured. He was the light and the way for our rebirth… Without you both we would all be rice farmers in Essequibo today.”

“What though the radiance which was once so bright
Be now forever taken from my sight
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass
Of glory in the flower.”

The legacy of Karl Brown is woven into the very fabric of Anna Regina Secondary School. He was not just a headmaster—he was a mentor, a visionary, and a beacon of hope for students from all walks of life.

Forever in our hearts and memories.