HARD work and intense focus have ensured that Guyana achieve universal primary education, and is far ahead in its goal of attaining universal secondary education. 

The government as well is forging ahead to achieve Universal Information and Communication Technology (ICT) literacy,  Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh told graduates at several ICT graduations on Wednesday.
About 150 persons graduated from Port Mourant, Region 6, and Golden Grove, Enmore, Buxton and Mon Repos in Region 4, after completing the ICT programme conducted over a seven-week period by the Basic Needs Trust Funds (BNTF), in collaboration with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).
During his address to the students at the various locations, Minister Singh stated that the modern world is increasingly driven by technology, and government is committed to ensuring that every Guyanese citizen throughout the length and breadth of Guyana has access to ICT.
“This programme is not a one off …it is a comprehensive national agenda by government to ensure that persons throughout the length and breadth of Guyana are trained in information and communication technology…we believe that every citizen must be supported in achieving circumstances that will see them becoming gainfully employed,” Minister Singh stressed.
As a result, government has been providing the necessary infrastructure, making way for private investors, installing fibre optic cables and equipping ICT labs in and out of the school system, drafting legislation, making internet access more affordable, and ensuring every citizen has access to ICT in their homes through the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) programme.
In today’s world, it is impossible for one to survive without basic communication and information technology. Minister Singh recollected that 10 years ago no one had a place in ICT, however, today the sector is rapidly creating jobs and over 300 young Guyanese are now able to secure jobs.
Minister Singh pointed out that the sector is not confined to only young people, and charged the older folks to get more involved in the programme which could be of tremendous benefit to them.

“Each and every person is contributing to the strength of our economy ….you influence the prosperity of our economy, be it hair dresser, bank teller, farmer. You have the future of your country and community in your hands,” Minister Singh told the graduates.
The Finance Minister committed that the programme will be replicated to other areas, and urged the students to continue to further their studies because “there is no shortcut to success and hard work will never end”.
BNTF Project Manager Michael Singh also extended congratulations to the graduates. He said that the programme will provide opportunities for persons of all age groups.
BNTF is a Government of Guyana programme and is responsible for implementing projects and providing infrastructure for capacity building.
The students were given certificates of participation and also from the BIT, which will enable them to secure jobs and further their education and eventually become awarded with the Caribbean Vocational Qualification Certificate.
Dr. Singh challenged participants to explore their options because “the sky is the limit”.
Sixty-five year old Compton Reid, a farmer of Port Mourant who received an award for persevering, expressed gratitude to government for affording him the opportunity to gain knowledge about ICT. Despite some challenges, Reid said that the programme was beneficial, and he was satisfied because he can now market his produce through the internet, which he could have done before if he had the skill.
Receiving prizes were best graduating students of Mon Repos – Coya Halley; Golden Grove – Ronessa Setal; Enmore – Cranston Richmond; Buxton – Deon David, and Mon Repos – Ramona Persaud. Prizes were also given for most improved students and for perseverance.
Meanwhile, at Golden Grove and Mon Repos, the Finance Minister officially handed over one fully furnished computer lab, each, obtained through an intervention by the Caribbean Development Bank. The project was executed at a cost of $9M and $7.5M respectively.

(GINA)