THE latest graduating class of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) was urged to “value

togetherness” and share their “knowledge with persons in the community.” On Friday, March 31, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott, in his feature address at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute, delivered a charge to 81 BIT graduates urging that they give back to their communities.

The minister explained that as empowered youths, they should use their knowledge to not only gain employment, but to help others in the community to build capacity. “BIT is dedicated to preparing all youths, so they can be meaningfully involved in the development of our country,” Minister Scott said. He also noted the involvement of the Guyana Police Force, and “their aid in preparing them for the real world.”

The involvement of the Guyana Police Force was highlighted by ‘B’ Division Commander, Ian Amsterdam. He explained that through a number of community outreach programmes, they were able to reach youths who may have otherwise, possibly, been occupied with a life of crime.

Assistant Director of the National Community Development Council (NCDC), Donald Ainsworth, thanked the government for the programme. He said that by aiding young people, “They will greatly help to develop the community.”

Ainsworth added that Region Six is known for its agricultural potential and encouraged students to “contribute and embrace the agricultural prospects.”

Courses offered included auto mechanics, welding and fabrication, catering and cake decoration, information technology and office procedure, personal computer repairs, heavy-duty equipment operation, catering and commercial food preparation, and other lifeskills. This was the third graduation exercise for Region Six since January, 2017.