– Min. Trotman urges new natural resources apprentices

AS THE newest batch of teens prepares to embark on the Youth in Natural Resources Apprenticeship Programme 2018, they were charged by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman to develop a love and appreciation for their environment.

This was the message at the Pegasus Hotel on Monday where 26 youths between the ages of 14 and 18, from all ten administrative regions gathered for the opening ceremony of the programme.
The initiative, which is the brainchild of the minister, began in 2017 and gives youths the opportunity to participate in natural resources-related activities and skills training within the local mining and extractive sectors.

To facilitate the cause, the ministry works in collaboration with its corporate business partners, other ministries and non-governmental groups, through its Corporate Social Responsibility Framework.
The youths will visit the locations of Guyana’s extractive sectors; receive hands-on-training on the ministry’s office operations; participate in community activities and green-energy practices; observe forestry operations and much more, all from August 6 to 30.

Giving the charge to the attending teens, Minister Trotman spoke of the accomplishments of the previous batch and of his hope for even better to be experienced by those now joining.

“This is a vision of mine to involve young people in the natural resources sector of Guyana…

“Essentially, it is my hope that you fall in love with your country. Those of us who live in Georgetown, we believe that Guyana is about a narrow strip of land, but those of you who live in the hinterland would know that the real beauty of Guyana is not only the coast but also the hinterland, the savannah, the mountains, the waterways, the animals. So we want you to love your country, to experience your country,” he told the students.
However, experiencing the beauty of nature is only part of the programme’s initiative, as the minister said that it will also help the youths to balance an appreciation for mining, forestry and the need to respect people and the environment.

“The other thing is that you must see the natural resources sector and view it as a worthy endeavour; it just has to be done correctly; it has to be done in a way that you respect the people who live in the hinterland,” he said, adding:

“You respect that they live there; that they use the water that you are using for mining and therefore we should not pollute it. And when you pass through their villages, you should treat them with respect, and not prey on them or take advantage of them.”

Amidst his call, he urged the students to see the value of professions such as engineers, foresters and environmentalists which are needed to ensure that the country’s remains on the right track.

“Amongst you are the future of Guyana; and I don’t mean to say that lightly… You are literally the future, and I want you, as I said, to fall in love with your country and fall in love with each other and to understand that the people who live in the hinterland, who live on the coast, those who work in the mines or those who work at the forest station, each of us has an important and equal place in the development of this country. No one is better or lesser than the other, always remember that amongst yourself,” he insisted.

During the opening ceremony, the incoming youths who were selected based on their passion for the environment and other criteria, introduced themselves to the audience, telling of their eagerness to begin the journey.

Meanwhile, four of the teens from the previous group told stories of their exciting experiences last year, and gave words of advice to the new batch on how they can be resilient enough to experience the same.

“We realised that the Ministry of Natural Resources is indeed an important sector in Guyana…the fun part was the trips into the interior,” said past team member Noel Sookhai, as he told of their trip to Kumaka, Iwokrama, the Aurora gold mines and Turtle Mountain where they met villagers, hiked, saw wild animals and learned new information.
“The pictures can only say so much and tell so much but when you’re there fully, and actually see what it’s like, it’s even more breathtaking.”

Another, Jahni Williamson, encouraged: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t know anything pertaining to what the representatives are explaining to you. Speak up, ask questions, you’re going to learn from them and you’re going to gain new experiences.”
Trotman took the opportunity at the ceremony to inform the youth and parents present that the ministry is willing to assist youth who may be interested in joining institutions, such as the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) to continue their interest in the environment.