EIGHT new land surveyors were yesterday sworn in by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) to boost the capacity of the Commission and other government agencies that require this specialised skill.

Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr. Robert Persaud, during his remarks congratulated the successful surveyors and highlighted that, “nearly every aspect of national development, both from the public sector and the private sector requires some level of surveying”.
He told the surveyors at the swearing-in at the GL&SC, D’Urban backlands that “you have been given essential skills and tools for national building, but also for the prosperity and progress of this nation and that must not be ignored or taken lightly”.
Minister Persaud also pointed out that the newly sworn-in surveyors will be essential in realising development projects moving forward as the natural resources sector is continually expanding, particularly in forestry and mining, including housing and other infrastructure development.
He further pointed out that land use and administration is taking on a greater prominence in society in terms of the government’s vision in moving the country forward. As such, Minister Persaud made reference to the recently finalised national land use policy and the approved national geospatial policy which will allow for better coordination and support for GIS in Guyana. The Natural Resources and the Environment Minister said the skills acquired by the surveyors will give greater impetus to adequately support development and land management.
Minister Persaud also urged the successful surveyors to value their importance and to make full use of the opportunities, while at the same time recognising some of the challenges ahead.
According to Surveys Division Manager, Rene Duesbury, the eight successful surveyors came from a batch of 36. He said a lot of emphasis was placed in Mathematics in 2014, but performance in this area still remains low. However, more emphasis will continue to be placed on this subject.
Additionally, it was also pointed out that the course for 2015 will include new subject areas as part of a requirement under the recently assented Land Surveyors Act.
Also present at the swearing-in were Commissioner of the GL&SC, Mr. Doorga Persaud and Mr. Rudolph Choo-Shee-Nam, Head of Lands and Surveyors’ Association.
Meanwhile, Mr. Linden Grey was recognised as best student of the batch.

(GINA)