THE Department of Youth on Saturday honoured 30 volunteers from across Guyana for their work in contributing to the development of the nation.
The International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, more commonly referred to as International Volunteer Day, was observed on December 5. In observance of this, the department decided to honour these outstanding persons.
Speaking at the event held in honour of the volunteers, at the Umana Yana on Saturday, Liaison Officer for The United Nations Population Fund (Guyana) Alder Bynoe highlighted: “Volunteers dedicate their time, service and efforts in supporting the sustainable development of their communities and of course, of this great country.”
Additionally, he noted that volunteers play a pivotal role in ensuring that “no one is left behind” by continuously addressing inequalities and gaps in society.
Speaking to the 30 volunteers that were being recognised and to the hundreds of other volunteers in attendance, Bynoe posited: “You enhance community knowledge, you allow for resilience in our communities as well as for the overall people-centered development.”
The persons being recognised were: Colin Moore, Kevin Cornette, Tisha Campbell, Edward Singh, Kimberley Kingston, Nolle Readie, Renisha Adams, Tarhish Stanley, Delicia Daly, Nikesha Bacchus, Malisa Peters, Otisha Vanbrook, Chelsie France, Kennisha Halley, Marcia Belle, Chris Lewis, Roland Alexander, Goldie Scott, Shavon Savory, Osbert Nurse, Gavin Thomas, Judine Peters-Welch, Ayana Hinds, Autavia Powers, Marvin Drakes, Diane Pompey, Shanette Dey, Onika Frank, Shemar Davis and Esmond Allsopp.
Representing the Department of Youth was Germaine Watson who said, “Today is just a thank you to those faces that are here and those faces that can share many experiences of changing the lives of others.”
He too acknowledged the key importance of volunteers and highlighted, “Volunteers give of their time and service without the expectation of a monetary reward in the end.”
Watson also shared that the awardees were chosen by the various organisations they represent—ranging from those that do work in health, advocacy or skills training—and from the volunteer corps of the department.
