Queen’s College (QC) yesterday launched its 50th anniversary celebrations of the admission of girls to the once all-male institution, with reflections on the journey, tributes to trailblazing alumnae, and the unveiling of events to commemorate the historic milestone.
Held on the school’s grounds, the programme featured remarks from several notable figures including representatives of the Queen’s College Old Students’ Association (QCOSA), the school’s current principal, and alumnae who played pivotal roles in both shaping and documenting the school’s modern history.
“Here we are, 50 years later, celebrating this phenomenon”
Opening the event, Christopher Belfield, of QCOSA, delivered a reflective address, noting the shift that occurred in 1975 when girls were first admitted to Queen’s College. “I’m told that while some men of that day were highly in delight, some of them were also heavily aggrieved – and they still remain so to date.”
Belfield, a past student and active alumnus stated, “The girls at Queen’s College continue to shatter glass ceilings and challenge limitations… They account for so many of the college’s most significant successes.”
“Women are doing ten times better than the boys were”
Devindra Kissoon, President of QCOSA, spoke next, drawing a clear line between inclusion and progress. He traced the 1975 decision to admit girls and acknowledged the challenges those early students faced – from limited facilities to navigating a culture built for boys.
“Immediately, from their joining the school, women excelled – and continue to do so today,” he stated, boldly adding, “I dare say that women are doing ten times better than the boys were. It’s strictly because of their discipline, conscientiousness, and commitment.”
Kissoon said the celebration was not just about the past, but a recognition of QC’s ongoing ability to evolve. “May this celebration remind you about the constant evolution of life – and of our institution – which is a demonstration of its strength.”
Donna Lewis-Isles, current Principal of Queen’s College, called it a “full-circle moment” to be leading the school during such a momentous occasion. “Fifty years ago, Queen’s College opened their doors to girls — and that was the year I was born,” she said, smiling. “So how fitting is it to be standing here as the head teacher of this institution.”
She saluted the many women who have passed through the school’s halls and gone on to lead in areas such as law, politics, and education. “We are honoured to celebrate the trailblazing young women who walked through those doors. Their achievements in academia, leadership, and service are a testimony to the power of inclusion.”
Lewis-Isles also highlighted the dominance of girls in recent years, particularly in the prestigious Guyana National Schools’ Quiz competition, which Queen’s College has won for the past three years – each time with an all-girls team coached by female teachers.
“The females are really leading Queen’s College,” she said, pointing to the school’s current administrative team that includes three female deputy principals. “May this anniversary be remembered for its power of inclusion and the legacy we each help to shape.”
Former president of QCOSA Pauline Chase, then unveiled a three-day weekend of celebrations now scheduled for October 17 to 19, (the date was changed to accommodate national elections and school term adjustments). The events are as follows: October 17 – Opening of the “50 Years of Girls in QC” exhibition at the school. The team is still welcoming contributions from alumnae for inclusion in the display; October 17 – Opening of the “50 Years of Girls in QC” exhibition at the school. The team is still welcoming contributions from alumnae for inclusion in the display.
October 18 – Opening of the “50 Years of Girls in QC” exhibition at the school. The team is still welcoming contributions from alumnae for inclusion in the display.
October 19 – “Royalty” Tea Party at Austin House, the former residence of QC founder Bishop William Percy Austin, in Kingston, Georgetown.
Chase also announced a special commemorative magazine and issued a call for stories, especially from those who were the “first” in any area – first female head prefect, first champion girl, and so on. “We cannot possibly know everyone and everything you have done. But we want to make sure you’re included,” she urged.
Four sponsorship tiers unveiled
Rounding out the formal programme was R. Ramsoondar, Assistant Treasurer of QCOSA, who introduced sponsorship packages designed to support the upcoming events. The packages are: Bronze – $100,000 – branding and anniversary memorabilia; Silver – $200,000 – quarter-page magazine ad, branding, memorabilia, and one tea party ticket; Gold – $300,000 – half-page ad, branding, memorabilia, and three tea party tickets; Platinum – $500,000 – full-page ad, branding, memorabilia, and five tea party tickets.
As Queen’s College celebrates 50 years since the historic inclusion of girls into its once all-boys student body, two women from the first co-educational cohort shared their memories of that transformative era.
Kathleen Thompson-Henriquo, who entered Queen’s College in 1975 after spending a year at Bishops’ High School, described the initial transition as “intimidating.” Speaking at the anniversary event, she recalled, “Originally, I wasn’t looking forward to the move… but Queen’s College opened its arms and welcomed us.”
Henriquo reflected fondly on her time at the school, calling it “a lot more fun” than Bishops’, without discrediting her former alma mater. “QC was serious—about work, about sports—but still so much fun,” she said.
An accomplished visual arts student, Thompson-Henriquo pursued a career in art education. After teaching briefly at Queen’s College, she studied at the Burrowes School of Art, and later returned to QC to teach again. Her journey in education included positions at the Cyril Potter College of Education and later an administrative role at Burrowes. Even after retirement, she continued part-time teaching at Marian Academy.
Susan Blair, another member of the 1975 intake, also recalled her QC days with pride and gratitude. “It was a good change in my life – it was very positive,” she said. Blair, like many of her female peers, left Bishops’ as part of an “exchange programme” between the two schools. “Boys went from QC to Bishops’, and girls came over from Bishops’ to QC.”
Blair remembered the dynamic student life at Queen’s College, including Friday afternoon boxing matches for boys with disputes to settle, and the QC State Society, which hosted music and prayer sessions. A highlight for her was the annual Remembrance Day service, where the youngest boy and girl would lay wreaths in honour of fallen heroes.
After leaving school, Blair pursued mechanical engineering studies at the Government Technical Institute but eventually moved into administration. She spent most of her career at the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), beginning during the transition from the Guyana Sewerage and Water Commission (GS&WC) to GWI. She retired two years ago.
