THE work of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) will be boosted as four new land surveyors took the oath of office, before Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Robert Persaud, who encouraged them to see themselves as development pioneers for Guyana.
The four surveyors, who endured a rigorous one-year training course, came out successful from a batch of 17 who took the examination in September. Speaking on the importance of the profession, they were reminded by the Natural Resources Minister to make a meaningful contribution, as the scope for development under which the profession falls continues to expand.
Thus far, 560 trained surveyors have been produced by the GLSC.
However, the unavailability of surveyors remains a major constraint within the natural resources sector, according to Minister Persaud.
“Your graduation today also underlines the importance of the profession and the role you can play. Our country, given the natural wealth that we have, and the work ahead of realising our full potential, will require skills such as yours,” he said.
Pointing to the fact that investment is crucial, Minister Persaud spoke of the recent collaborative venture between the Guyana Government and the European Union (EU), which will see modernisation of the Commission. The EU investment of €3M is supplemented by government’s $75M.

 “The basic tools are important, but technology has advanced and we want the Commission and the people as well to have access and to deliver a better service…we will continue to invest in the Commission to look at ways in which staff welfare can also be improved,” he said.
There are, at present, 12 surveyors at the GLSC and recognising the constraints such limitation poses, the Commission, through a collaborative effort with the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, will be reaching out to schools countrywide, targeting youths who desire to be trained in this field.
GLSC Commissioner, Doorga Persaud during his brief remarks, spoke of the objective of the programme which is aimed at providing professionals with the necessary skill to function effectively as surveyors.
The Lands Surveys Examination is statutorily provided for under the Lands Surveys Act, Chapter 97:01.
“Thus far, we have been able to sustain professional land surveyors in Guyana who function in both the public and private sectors; I am very pleased with the results and congratulate you all on your success,” he said.
Minister Persaud encouraged the graduates to adopt sound principles and to carry out their duties faithfully, in accordance with the oath taken.
Rene Duesbury, Manager, Surveys Division, in his overview of performance for 2012, called for greater emphasis to be placed on mathematics.
He stated that oftentimes mathematics has been an area where weaknesses are prevalent in the Caribbean, and as such, more needs to be done to encourage better results.
This year, while the candidates surpassed the 2011 figures, the pass rate for Mathematics remains worrying, despite some improvements.
For use and adjustments, 70 percent was achieved compared to 50 percent in 2011; Mathematics 9 percent in 2011 and 35 percent in 2012; Astronomy, 9 percent in 2011, and 35 percent in 2012 and Surveying theory 65 percent for both years.
“As a Board, we sat and deliberated and we recognised that we have, to some extent, review and implement ways in which assistance can be given to candidates, so that performance in mathematics especially can improve,” he said.
Like Leon Rutherford, Board of Examiners and member of the Surveyor’s Association, Duesbury spoke of the importance of team effort and research when undertaking duties.
“Your role is going to be critical in Guyana’s development; since surveying is utilised in several sectors in Guyana…the current housing boom makes the surveyors provide lots for our populations, as well as to the hydro project”, he said.
The job of surveyors is essential to several sectors, more importantly to the ever-growing housing and construction boom, expansion of agricultural and mining lands and road networks.
Meanwhile, valedictorian Stephen Liu, while lauding the trainers and members of the GLSC for their contributions over the last year, pointed to the fact that success did not come easily, and encouraged the others to work together with the aim of achieving one common goal.
The graduates are Stephen Liu, Winart Nelson, Sampson Perreira and Darrell Fraser. (GINA)