Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh, joined President of the Queen’s College Old Students’ Association (QCOSA), Ms. Pauline Chase, on Sunday for a wreath-laying ceremony that marked the launch of a week of observances celebrating Queen’s College’s 180th anniversary.
The ceremony, held at the St. James the Less Church in Kitty, paid tribute to the school’s founder, Lord Bishop William Piercy Austin, the inaugural Anglican Bishop of British Guiana. Wreaths were laid at his final resting place in honor of his pivotal role in establishing the Anglican Grammar School for Boys in 1844, which later became Queen’s College.
Dr. Singh praised Bishop Austin’s vision and the lasting impact of his founding of the school, which has, over nearly two centuries, produced generations of students who have gone on to distinguish themselves in various fields both in Guyana and internationally. He noted that Queen’s College has consistently been an incubator of excellence, contributing to the country’s development through its alumni.
In his remarks, Minister Singh highlighted the remarkable achievements of Queen’s College alumni, particularly in the areas of politics, public service, academia, the arts, and sports. He expressed confidence that the school’s legacy of service to Guyana and the world over the past 180 years will not only continue but expand in the centuries to come.
The week of anniversary observances continues with a Special General Assembly on Monday, October 21, featuring an address by His Excellency, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Additional activities include the commissioning of the new T-VET building, an art exhibition, a day of tours, a day of sports, a fun day and concert, and a teacher appreciation dinner. The celebrations will culminate with a gala at the Guyana Marriott Hotel on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
Past students from QCOSA chapters worldwide are expected to participate in the various events throughout the week.