A brief period of uncertainty threatened one of Guyana’s most inspiring educational traditions.
The Blackman-Waddell Summer Math Institute, formerly the Queen’s College Summer Mathematics Institute, which has challenged and inspired some of the country’s brightest young minds for years, was left without its traditional venue at Queen’s College, casting doubt over whether this year’s programme would proceed.
Rather than allowing that setback to interrupt the Institute, internationally acclaimed mathematicians Dr. Terrence Blackman and Dr. Cleveland Waddell, with the support of STEMGuyana and its Founder and Executive Director Dr. Karen Abrams, worked together to ensure the programme would continue from July 27 to July 31, reaffirming their shared commitment to nurturing Guyana’s next generation of mathematical talent.
Speaking with Village Voice, Dr. Abrams emphasised that STEMGuyana’s role was to support the continuity of a programme that has become synonymous with academic excellence, ensuring that students who had earned their places would not lose a life-changing opportunity because of circumstances beyond their control.
“The Blackman-Waddell Institute has become an important tradition in Guyana,” she said. “Students worked hard to earn the opportunity to attend. We believed it was important to support the continuity of the programme so they would not lose this unique experience.“
Dr. Abrams said mathematics is about much more than formulas and calculations. In her view, it teaches young people discipline, resilience, critical thinking and confidence.
“When young people discover they can solve problems they once believed were impossible, they begin to see themselves differently,” she explained. “They begin to believe there are very few challenges in life they cannot overcome.”
She was equally passionate in her praise of Dr. Blackman and Dr. Waddell, describing them as educators whose influence has transformed the lives of countless students across Guyana and the wider Caribbean.
“They have devoted decades of their lives to identifying, mentoring and inspiring gifted young people,” she said. “They have built a programme that has become a beacon of academic excellence, and STEMGuyana was honoured to support their efforts to ensure it continues.”
According to Dr. Abrams, one of the greatest privileges for students attending the Institute is the opportunity to learn directly from educators whose commitment has shaped generations of mathematicians.
“These are scholars of international standing, but what makes them truly remarkable is their commitment to young people. They continue to invest their knowledge and experience because they believe every child deserves the chance to excel.“
While Guyana’s rapid transformation is often measured by oil revenues, new highways and expanding infrastructure, Dr. Abrams believes the country’s most valuable asset remains its people.
“Our greatest natural resource is not oil,” she said. “It is our people. If we invest in children’s minds with the same determination that we invest in physical development, Guyana’s future will be limitless.“
She encouraged every young person attending the Institute to resist self-doubt and embrace challenges, noting that every accomplished scientist, engineer and mathematician has experienced setbacks.
“Success belongs to those who continue learning, continue asking questions and continue believing in themselves,” she said.
As another cohort of gifted students begins the Blackman-Waddell Summer Math Institute, the programme stands as more than an academic exercise. Its continuity this year reflects the collaborative commitment of educators and organisations determined that an unexpected venue setback would not interrupt an initiative that has inspired generations of young Guyanese.
The week-long Institute will place mathematics at the centre of the classroom, but its most enduring lesson may be that when dedicated educators work together to invest in children, they help shape not only future mathematicians, but future leaders, innovators and nation-builders.
