GUYANA will get 10 of 50 scholarships being offered to CARICOM countries by the Government of Mexico, Mexican Ambassador, Mr. Fernando Sandoval announced Wednesday.

Minister of Public Service, Dr Jennifer Westford and Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Fernando Sandoval at Wednesday’s press conference.

He told a press conference, hosted by the Ministry of Public Service, in Waterloo Street, Georgetown, that the offer is through a programme expected to be annual.

The Minister of Public Service, Dr Jennifer Westford, said the choices are very wide but each country will be choosing areas that are integral to its development thrust.

She said, at this point, the Government is paying special attention to the fields of agriculture, health, communication and technology and the Ministry has already placed advertisements to recruit suitable candidates.

Westford said the requirements are not especially stringent and follow the specifications of other scholarships.

She disclosed that four students have already returned from studies in Mexico and are contributing, meaningfully, to this country.

Ambassador Sandoval said Mexico views education as very important and is, therefore, offering the scholarships as part of the celebration of the country’s 200th Independence Anniversary.

The diplomat said Mexico is desirous of strengthening ties with Guyana and the rest of CARICOM and he mentioned industrial electricity, environmental conservation, food and beverage, hospitality and tourism and environmental care that are very critical for this country.

According to him, the scholarships cover the cost of enrollment and school fees, medical coverage and transportation, together with a stipend of US$400, over six semesters, exclusive of four months learning Spanish.

The issue of pregnancy among scholarship students arose during the press conference and Westford said no such cases were reported for 2009.

She said, in 2007, there were reports of five pregnancies and three in 2008.

Westford said, while the Ministry cannot tell students not to be sexually active, they are reminded that they are going to study.

She also encouraged parents to communicate with their children and help them to remain focused on their course of study. (Michelle Gonsalves)