MINISTER of Social Cohesion with Responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton, recently met with the incoming executives of the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC).

The executive include GNYC’s newly-elected President, Dr. Quacy Grant; Vice President, Ms. Delecia George; Treasurer, Mr. Rondell Nedd and Dr. Shonette Waterman, Chairperson for Inclusion and Regional Participation.

Also present at the meeting were the Assistant Director of Youth, Ms. Leslyn Boyce; Project Officer, Mr. Jermaine Watson; Head of Administration of the Youth Empowerment Unit, Ms. Fayon Marshall; Interim Chairman of the GNYC, Mr. Derwayne Wills and Mrs. Cristal Johnson member of the Communications Committee of the GNYC.

During the engagement at Minister Norton’s Main and Quamina streets office, the Council was congratulated on the hosting of its elections.
“I am glad that your voting was done electronically. It shows that our youths are keeping up with technological advancements and setting the trend in utilising same,” Minister Norton was quoted in a release by his ministry as saying.

According to the release, the minister was particularly pleased by the fact that the online voting system allowed for young people, in all parts of Guyana, to participate and cast their votes.

“This demonstrates GNYC’s cognizance of the importance of inclusion and ensuring that all are involved in the decision-making processes,” Minister Norton noted.
In thanking Minister Norton for his support and encouragement, the GNYC members expressed commitment to continuously improve the work of the council.
The incoming President of the body also used the opportunity to share some of his plans for the council, upon officially assuming office.

Minister Norton assured the body that it will receive full support from the Department of Youth in the execution of its noble mandate of representing youths all across Guyana.
“As much as we will support you, we want to ensure that the GNYC maintains its independence so that representation of our young people is in no way stymied or used as political pawns,” Minister Norton explained. He added, “It is for this reason that the Department of Youth was skeptical in offering you an office space in their building.”

Nonetheless, Minister Norton congratulated the team and expressed anticipation in working together to ensure the prosperity of Guyana’s youths.