Little Magnolia Legall's dramatic presentation of a poem expressing appreciation for new school, delightfully entertained the audience at the official launch and commissioning of the Tuschen Nursery School in Guyana on Tuesday, May 27. The Construction of the school was jointly financed by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) through its Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) with the provision of USD 400,000 and the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana with USD100, 000. It provides accommodation for 180 nursery school children. They used to have to travel out of their community to attain nursery education. This sub-project also benefited nine teachers and one principal. Additionally, with the implementation of this sub-project, employment opportunities were created for two teachers. The facilities are fully furnished to enhance early childhood development services in the community and is one of the five designed to CARICOM Early Childhood Education Standards which are funded through the BNTF 6 programme. Speaking at the official launch, President of CDB, Dr. Warren Smith, said the Bank was pleased to be part of a Regional thrust to set boys and girls on the path to realising their full potential by exposing them to early childhood education. He noted that over the past few years, the BNTF has enabled the CDB to support several community focused projects in Guyana among them, three other nursery schools apart from the Tuschen Nursery School. "CDB is a firm supporter of projects that uplift our people. We are heartened by projects, like this one, which promise recurring benefits to the community for years to come," Dr. Smith said. Also speaking at the launch were the Prime Minister of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Mr. Samuel Hinds and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh. Both men expressed appreciation for the CDB's joint partnership in the project, noting that it was in keeping with their government's commitment to education. "There is no more important investment than that to be made in education said Dr. Singh, who added that despite fiscal challenges, the Government was committed to pursuing social investment especially in education. Prime Minister Hinds thanked the CDB for its funding of several projects in Guyana and especially for the BNTF. He described the new Tuschen Nursery School as one of the best in the country. Since its inception in 1979, the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) Programme has been contributing to poverty reduction in targeted communities by providing infrastructure and livelihood enhancement services nationally and regionally. CAPTION: CDB President, Dr. Warren Smith (right) with (L-R) Mr. Song Xiang Yang, Alternate Governor, China; Ms. Jean E. McCardle, Alternate Director for Canada; and Dr. the Hon. Ashni Singh, Chairman of the Board of Governors, CDB and Guyana's Minister of Finance.