IN a move to further the restoration process of the cooperative movement in Guyana, an Apprenticeship Programme was launched on Thursday by the Department of Co-operatives under the Ministry of Social Protection

Several trainees were selected by the Ministry to complete a three-month on the job training in their respective regions. The exercise which commenced on June 4 will end in August. The apprentices who will function in the capacity of Regional Cooperative Development Officers in their regions expressed satisfaction in the new programme.

Representatives from the Ministry of Social Protection, Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs attending the launch of the Apprenticeship Programme. Region Three trainee, Julian Monize said she is pleased to have been given this opportunity to work with the co-ops department.”

Ready to serve her country, Ashley Johnson of Region Seven said, “I am here with an open mind and will put my best foot forward to take in everything I possibly can within the training period, as I plan to return to my region and serve my people and region and by extension, Guyana as a whole.”

Marlon Edwards from Region Nine said: “I know my indigenous people in Region Nine will happily welcome this initiative, since it will create employment and generate revenue for them.”

Also attending the launch was Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott and Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma who both commended the initiative as it will create employment and bridge rural and urban relations.

According to Minister Scott, the graduating apprentices will be posted in other regions to function in the various co-op departments. The programme comes as part of the government’s vision to revitalise cooperatives across the regions in Guyana. Cooperatives have long played a role in the social, economic and cultural development of the country. (DPI)