By Alva Solomon

A MEMORANDUM of Understanding (MoU), which will see 10 United States Peace Corps volunteers being assigned to several hinterland communities in the weeks ahead, was signed at the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs on Friday.The agreement was inked between the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the United States Embassy,

Minister Raphael Trotman, Sydney Allicock and US Ambassador, Perry Holloway signed on behalf of the three parties respectively.

According to Peace Corps Guyana Country Director, Linda Arbogast, the MoU will see the volunteers being placed in communities across Regions One and Nine from September this year.

The volunteers, she noted, will complement the 800 volunteers, who have done various stints on these shores over the years. They will serve in the education, health and environmental sectors.

“We open the door to a broader Peace Corps presence in Guyana,” she said, noting that the body is open to a community-based approach regarding development of hinterland communities.

United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway noted that the initiative comes at a pivotal time, as the Government’s move to green the economy and strengthen its management of the environment.

Minister Trotman noted that the MoU was inked at a time when the country is celebrating its 50th Independence anniversary.

He also noted American oil giant, Exxon Mobil’s announcement of significant oil find from its Liza 2 well in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, and said that such developments speak of new frontier, not only for development, but also for the environment.

Meanwhile, Minister Allicock expressed appreciation for the efforts to have the Peace Corps here, and said the signing of the MoU bodes well for development in communities in Regions One and Nine.