Tutorial High renamed, Austin Castello Tutorial High

Chief Education Officer, Saddam Hussein on Sunday evening presented a plaque cementing the new name of the secondary school to President of the Guyana Chapter of the Alumni Association, Dr. Desmond Sears

Kaieteur News – Chief Education Officer, Saddam Hussein, on Sunday evening presented a plaque cementing the new name of the secondary school.  The institution will now be known as the Austin Castello Tutorial High School.

President of the Guyana Chapter of the Alumni Association, Dr. Desmond Sears, received the plaque on behalf of the school.  According to a press release from the school, the presentation was made during a Welcome Reception for former students who are participating in the Association’s 14th Triennial Reunion.

Austin Castello was the lone Founder of Tutorial High School which first opened its doors on 1st September, 1939 with just seven students, the release stated. The monthly fee was two British Guiana dollars (BG$2.00).  He was joined in this noble venture by his brother Joseph Castello. His motivation was to provide a full, affordable secondary level education for the children of working class parents who had no access to the existing ‘elite’ schools.  Secondary education was available only to the children of plantation owners and others in the upper echelons of the colonial society.

Austin Castello passed away in 1991, but his name, his ethos, and his determination to educate as many children as possible, have always been legend in the halls of Tutorial, the press release noted. “The new name is another way to memorialise this extraordinary man who, with his cadre of teachers, taught and groomed countless national treasures including several jurists like the late Peter Britton and Rex McKay.  He is being represented at this Reunion (like previous reunions) by his daughter, June-Ann Castello.”

According to the release this week the school is hosting a week-long reunion which commenced on Saturday 26th July under the theme: “Paying Tribute to the Founders”.  Highlights of the programme include a night of Culture at the National Cultural Centre on Tuesday 29th July, and a Gala Dinner and Ball at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday 31st July. All locally-based former students of Tutorial High School are invited to sign up and join their overseas-based schoolmates at these events.