Teachers Profile

Aubrey Gooray wrote an excellent article documenting the history of government secondary education on the Essequibo Coast. As he stated

“Anna Regina Government Secondary School (ARGSS) was the creation of Dr. Cheddi Jagan’s focused and courageous commitment to education.  The doors opened on May 8th, 1961, during that historic period when Guyana was a still a British colony.  So, the ensuing blooming of ARGSS into ARSS, then to ARMLS, along with its present success, is the product of that single moment in time.  He solved the issue of the location of the school by having it housed in the Anna Regina Land Development Scheme office building.  Four classrooms, at each corner, were created and the center room functioned as an assembly room where we congregated every morning before dispersing to Forms 1A, 1B, 1C and 2.  A year later, the central assembly room became a fifth classroom, and the school expanded to forms 2 and 3. “

I am pleased and proud to say that I was present at the ceremony as a newly appointed staff member along with Mr. E.W. London when ARGSS opened on May 8, 1961, by minister of education Balram Singh Rai. Mr. London introduced me as the first Essequibian to serve in that capacity. I graduated from Queen College (QC) in 1959, with my GCE advanced Level certificate in three subjects, Pure and Applied Mathematics, and Physics. This A-level coupled with my GCE “O”level certificate qualified me to teach Mathematics and Science. I was on friendly turf as I knew both Mr. Brown (“Brownie”) and Mr. London (“Eddie” ) when I was a student at QC (1956-1959). Moreover, I was at a school that was patterned after Queen’s College, and The Bishop’s High School.  Like those schools, organized intramural sports was an integral part of the curriculum. My journey was retraced by a few Essequibian “scholars” who returned from QC to serve on the staff.

Essequibo was the last county of Guyana to have a government run secondary school.  Demerara, and Berbice enjoyed that privilege for a long time. Essequibo had talent for those who could afford to attend school in Georgetown, the capital. My siblings had relatives in the capital who provided accommodations for us.  Commuting to the city was impossible because of geography. Traveling to the city took the better part of a day as students had to leave home in the morning, take a bus to Adventure (about 10 miles from Anna Regina to board a slow traveling ferry on a three-hour trip across the mouth of the Essequibo River (about 19 miles) which was a tributary of the amazon river.  This was followed by a two-hour train ride across the west coast Demerara to board yet another ferry across the Demerara River. For this reason students stayed in the city and returned home for Easter, August, and Christmas vacations.  I left at age 12. My grand children cannot imagine what it would be like to be separated from their parents at such a tender age.  Yet, parents made sacrifices because of the value they placed on education.                                                                              

Esssequibo had talent to be exploited.  For example, Sir Harry Annamunthodo, was the first Guyana Scholar to leave Essequibo to study in Georgetown for secondary education.  He became a distinguished surgeon, medical educator, and pioneer in Caribbean medical education. Born in British Guiana (now Guyana), he was of Indian descent and attended Queen’s College in Georgetown. Knighted in 1967 for his contributions to medicine, Sir Harry trained over 1,500 medical graduates during his career. He left behind a legacy as a transformative figure in Caribbean medicine and served as a role model for many Guyanese and especially those from Essequibo.

Dr Cheddi Jagan wanted to make secondary available to the residents of Essequibo so they too would have the opportunity that Sr Hary had.

Aubrey Gooray concluded his exposition with the following:

“ARSS produced Guyana Scholars, and was the breeding ground for many other scholarships, awarded by other academic institutions elsewhere.  Its tradition of academic excellence, born from the foresight and will in 1961, continues in full strength today.”

The establishment of the first government secondary school at Anna Regina allowed ordinary Essequibians to achieve the much-desired social mobility that underserved populations strive for. Many of graduates of the first class have emigrated to North America and are engaged in efforts to “give back” to their Alma Mater

As stated above, I graduated from QC with GCE “O” AND “A LEVELS in 1959 and returned to Essequibo to join the teaching staff at the Anna Regina Government Primary School (ARGPS). I was fresh out of high school qualified in content knowledge and little experience in pedagogy (art and science of teaching) and Epistemology (an examination of what knowledge is and how it must be constructed by the learner (student) with the help of the teacher. Fortunately, I was assigned trained teachers to serve as my mentors. I learned how to prepare “Notes of Lessons” and about classroom management.

I worked at ARGSS until May 8,1961, when I accepted a teaching position of Math and Science. Under the guidance of Mr. London, I practiced how to teach and observe how students learned.  For example, I learned from “Eddie” how to cut out triangles constructed from ruler and compasses to demonstrate what is meant of congruent triangles. I learned several years later that I was introduced to the use of manipulatives as a virtual teaching tool. I learned from my students as much as they learned from me. I am confident that my teaching experience at ARGSS was vital in paving the way for me to achieve a successful teaching career in Mathematics and Education at the State University of New York (SUNY), College at Oswego NY (1970 to 2012) where I was promoted to the prestigious rank of a “SUNY” Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Mathematics.

 As a 21year old, I experienced what is meant by the term “hunger for education”.  Throughout my long teaching career, I have never experienced a more self-motivated students as those in the early classes.  It was easy to teach.  To prepare them for their first external examination I obtained copies of previous exams in Georgetown and created practice examinations that I administered after classes.  Tests were sent down from Britain and carefully administered by local staff. The completed papers were then sent up to Britain to be graded.  Students waited patiently for the results months after.

Mr. Brown confided, that based on the feedback he got, I was an effective teacher of Mathematics, and I was recommended by minister of education Cedric Vernon Nunes for a Canadian Government sponsored Scholarship to study at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick.

The Canadian government awarded me a full scholarship that included: travel expenses to the university, tuition, room and board, all textbooks, and a monthly stipend. I graduated with honors in 1966 when there was a change in the government in a political upheaval and many professionals chose to emigrate to North America.  I returned to Guyana briefly but soon left to accept an offer from Lehigh University in Bethlehem PA to pursue a graduate education and earned a doctoral degree in Mathematics in 1970.

Currently, I am retired as a “SUNY” Distinguished Teaching Professor, emeritus. I have had opportunities to partner with my former students to send back computer systems to the school and hold workshops to promote mathematics and science education for teachers.

ARSS is now nationally and internationally recognized for its contribution to Education.  I am fortunate to have been there at the start and witnessed the evolution over six decades. In the scheme of things, my contribution is small in comparison to what I have received. This is a gift that I deeply appreciate.

A Dedicated Educator and Leader

Rajkumarie Lall has devoted over three decades of her life to shaping the future of education in Guyana. Her passion for teaching and unwavering commitment to her students have made her an inspirational figure in the academic community. From humble beginnings on the Island of Wakenaam to becoming the esteemed principal of Queen’s College, her journey is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and dedication.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

As a young girl, Rajkumarie Lall, affectionately known as Miss Radha, aspired to become a lawyer to lift herself and her family out of poverty. However, circumstances led her to pursue teaching, a profession that she has since embraced wholeheartedly. Her father always emphasized the value of education, instilling in her a deep appreciation for learning and the power of knowledge.

Lall began her teaching career in 1987 at North Georgetown Secondary School as an Agricultural Science instructor. She later attended the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), graduating in 1991 from the Pre-Vocational Studies program. Her journey then took her back to her home island, where she taught at Essequibo Island Secondary for three years before moving to the Essequibo Coast and joining Anna Regina Secondary School (ARMS) in 1994.

25 Years at Anna Regina Secondary School

During her tenure at ARMS, spanning over two and a half decades, Lall was known for her dedication to her students and her innovative teaching methods. She believed in nurturing each student's unique abilities and providing them with the necessary tools to succeed, not only in academics but in life. She was committed to producing well-rounded individuals who could excel in their respective careers and make meaningful contributions to society.

Her philosophy was simple yet profound: "Success does not come overnight." She focused on instilling discipline, hard work, and resilience in her students, qualities that have served them well beyond their school years.

Furthering Her Education and Transitioning to Leadership

In 2012, Lall was seconded to Queen’s College to further her studies at the University of Guyana. Despite her extensive experience, she embraced the opportunity to grow academically and graduated in 2016 as the Best Graduating Student in the Faculty of Education and Humanities. She also received prestigious awards, including the Vice-Chancellor Special Award and the Guyana Teachers Union Award.

Following her academic achievements, she took on administrative roles, serving as Deputy Head at St. Joseph’s High before assuming the role of Principal at Queen’s College, Guyana’s premier secondary institution.

Principal of Queen’s College

As Principal of Queen’s College, Lall continues to champion academic excellence and holistic student development. Her vast experience, spanning various schools and roles, has equipped her with the knowledge and insight necessary to lead effectively. She remains dedicated to improving the quality of education and fostering a culture of inclusivity, mentorship, and continuous learning.

Her 36 years of service in the education sector are marked by countless success stories of students whose lives she has positively impacted. She firmly believes in teaching from the heart and providing students with the guidance they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

A Lasting Legacy

Rajkumarie Lall’s contributions to education are immeasurable. Her journey from a determined young girl in Wakenaam to a respected educator and leader is an inspiration to many. The Anna Regina Secondary School Alumni Association proudly recognizes her outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to shaping the future of education in Guyana.

Her legacy serves as a reminder that great educators do more than teach—they inspire, empower, and transform lives. 

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)