THREE Guyanese have been chosen to be part of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellowship Programme in the United States of America (USA).
According to a press statement from the U.S. Embassy, Jaianan Hirai, Evie Kanhai-Gurchuran and Nigel Anthony Peters were chosen to be part of the programme, which will commence in September and last until October.
The programme will bring 250 young leaders from 36 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to the U.S.

This year, out of over 2,500 applications from the region, the three young leaders from Guyana have been accepted:
Jaianan Hirai, co-founder of the A+ Computer Training Centre, located on the West Coast of Demerara, provides free and low-cost training courses for young people who cannot afford the fees of traditional IT schools. Jai is also an IT Trainer at the University of Guyana and a Certified Network Administrator.

Evie Kanhai-Gurchuran, co-founder and CEO of Java Coffee Bar, an artisanal coffee shop in Georgetown. Java Coffee Bar reduces unemployment and supports Guyanese farmers by using locally sourced ingredients and by making almost all of its products from scratch. Evie is also the CEO of EMTEC, a marketing and graphic design firm, and Sites Builders, a product development company.

Nigel Anthony Peters is the founder of Arcadia Agri, a cultivator of organic fruits and

vegetables in Guyana. By providing locally grown produce and hiring a young workforce, Arcadia Agri aims to reduce both food imports and youth unemployment in the country
Sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, the YLAI Professional Fellows Programme empowers entrepreneurs to strengthen their capacity to advance their entrepreneurial ventures and effectively contribute to economic and social development in their communities.

Business and social entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to expand their leadership and entrepreneurial experience through fellowships in small businesses, non-governmental organisations, and similar entities in 20 cities across the U.S.

The programme will begin in Detroit, Michigan. The young entrepreneurs will then engage in four-week fellowships in cities throughout the United States and conclude with a closing summit in Washington, D.C.