–Govt. pledges ongoing support
THIRTY persons graduated Friday from the first ever Information Technology (IT) training course held at the Buxton/Friendship Practical Instruction Centre, East Coast Demerara.
They were recipients of training in life skills; introduction to computers; use of the Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point, Access; and computer repairs and maintenance. Training was financed by the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) Programme which equipped the laboratory with 15 computers, desks, chairs, air conditioning units; and also upgraded the electrical system. Mr. Fitzroy Younge, a Buxtonian, facilitated the sessions, ably assisted by villagers.
Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh remarked that it was while monitoring the progress of works at the institution that the idea of sponsoring an IT training programme had emerged.
The idea of this programme was also advocated by a prominent Buxtonian, Finance Ministry staffer, Mr. Clyde Roopchand, Chairman of the Policy Steering Committee of BNTF, who had also championed the cause for the construction of the PIC.
Minister Singh encouraged the students to share their knowledge with family members, neighbours, and friends, since no one should miss out on technological advantages sweeping the world today. He stated that Information Communication Technology training is high on government’s agenda, as it transforms all spheres of life.
Singh pointed out that ten years ago, no one was employed in the IT sector in Guyana, but today, more than 4,000 young Guyanese boys and girls are directly employed, providing services to clients in other parts of the world.
The minister thanked the Principal, Mr. Owen Mc Garrell, for the way he managed the institution, and said he remained optimistic that more good stories would come out of the facility and, moreover, Buxton. He urged Mc Garrell to continue making the facility available for training, and he pledged government’s support for the training of a second batch of students.