AT the conclusion of a vocational skills training programme for youths on the West Coast of Demerara yesterday, 83 graduates were presented certificates and trophies of completion.
The programme was the initiative of ‘D’ Division of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) under the Project C-Pets Creating Positive Environment Through Safe Communities and Partnership in

collaboration with the Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre (LTVTC).

The ceremony took place at the Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre auditorium, Groenveldt, West Coast Demerara, and Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud delivered the feature address.
The ‘Top Cop’ told the large gathering that the decision made by the group of youths drawn from several villages along the West Coast corridor shows commitment to develop themselves and he lauded their efforts yesterday.

He stated that the youths of today need to be multi-talented to cope in a very competitive world, so they should always seek to develop skills and be exposed to training in various areas in order to become marketable.

Persaud added that some of the graduates will pursue a one-year course to become qualified in specialised areas of carpentry, data operations, electrical installation, general office administration, metal work engineering, motor vehicle (car and light work), plumbing and welding.

He spoke of the benefits and objectives of the project which is geared towards youth development, whereby they can be equipped with a life skill to be able to earn in a meaningful way and contribute to society.

Persaud told the gathering yesterday afternoon that the GPF is always willing to work with faith-based organisations, the Ministry of Education and other groups to develop youths, because it is in their best interest to get idle youths off the streets and to educate them.

The Commissioner added that the C-PETS project was launched in the city a year ago to engage youths in vocational skills training based on their analysis; as such, it cascaded into all the policing divisions countrywide for youths to become marketable and add value to their lives.

Administrator of LTVTC Eon Nicholson in brief remarks said that he was very pleased with the performance of the youths at this first programme and is hopeful there will be more to follow.
He added that they are seeking to include the Industrial Board for the development of youths in Region 3 and some of the graduates have already enrolled to pursue the one-year programme.

Nicholson, however, urged parents, guardians and others to continue to support the graduates to assist them to achieve youth development in the region.

Commander of ‘D’ Division Stephen Mansell, told the gathering that the C-PETS project was the brainchild of the Commissioner, firstly in ‘A’ Division and it was a success and filtered down to the other divisions.

He pointed out that the project was specially launched to reduce crime in the community in which it targets unemployed youths and school drop-outs and they will continue to work with the youths to ensure they are gainfully employed.

Mansell stated that the project is leading the GPF into a new era of policing and at the same time fostering better relations with the youths and communities as well.

In his remarks to the graduates, acting Chief Education Officer Patrick Chinedu charged the youths to let their certificates and trophies serve as reminders to be committed, since they can be whoever they want to.

He stressed the importance of education in the society and said that education is everybody’s business and advised the adults and parents to be continually supportive of the youths to achieve optimum rewards through their education.

Chinedu encouraged the youths to be dedicated, committed and have the desire to overcome any obstacle and to believe in themselves.

Top performer Shaneeza Khan was awarded two trophies and a certificate, while others were also presented trophies of achievement and certificates as well.