By Telesha Ramnarine

MEET some of the vibrant, brilliant personalities that make up President Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s newly-appointed Presidential Youth Advisory Council (PYAC), consisting of youths from all across Guyana with varying backgrounds who will have a voice in shaping programmes and policies that the government will implement.

Each member of the Council brings a fresh and unique perspective that will undoubtedly impact national development. All poised to share their knowledge and skills, these young men and women are looking forward to being able to make a meaningful contribution so far as raising the bar on government services, and giving a voice to the “small man” in society are concerned.

“I believe that the experiences that my other colleagues and I have are what make us best able to contribute. We can speak from various outlooks, and we will have different views and ideas on problems, situations and solutions. This diversity of thought is the best contribution we can give,” one member, Aneesa Maryam Hussain, expressed.

Many commented that the PYAC is a good indication of the government’s willingness to involve youth in the decision-making process, and lauded President Ali’s vision in this regard.
Here are the comments of 13 members of the PYAC on their appointment to the Council, to be followed next week with the remaining members:

Sabina Savory, 32, Economic and Financial Analyst at the Ministry of Finance. “I am specifically interested in the areas of economic and entrepreneurial development, along with improved education and health outcomes for all Guyanese. My background in Economics has provided me with skills to do critical research and analysis. Following outreaches and engagement with the youth, I can put my skills to good use by helping devise proposals for meaningful interventions and policies that are tailored to the needs of all Guyanese.”

Maria Fraser, 26, Marine Scientist with the Ministry of Natural Resources. “Having a PYAC is an excellent initiative. Three main areas of interest to me are our marine environment, agriculture, and tourism. My intended contribution is to work with youth farmers, and guide them through farming and how important it is especially for our food security. With increased gauge toward tourism development in Guyana, this will boost the revenue of the economy, create thousands of jobs, develop the infrastructure, and plant a sense of cultural exchange between foreigners and citizens. The number of jobs created by tourism is significant, and can be explored greatly!”

Shenisa Fredericks, 28, Brand Manager, originally of Santa Rosa, Moruca. “Having a diverse background, I believe I can contribute in providing unique insights and perspectives as a young professional woman on issues currently affecting the youths of Guyana, and taking a proactive approach to addressing these problems. The areas I would like to see improvements and development in are Education, Healthcare, and Innovation & Technology. Coming from an Indigenous community, I would like to see a greater footprint of the government in enhancing and expanding its policies and programmes that will further uplift and create equity for Indigenous people.”

Shane Cornelius, 32, Karrau Village, Lower Mazaruni River. “Currently the Toshao of Karrau Village and Secretary of the National Toshaos Council. For 10 years, I have been committed towards advancing the development of my people. This appointment gives me additional responsibilities to ensure the Indigenous perspective is taken into consideration. I would like to see the agriculture sector becoming more youth-friendly; the promotion of smart education and smart healthcare. In a village that does not have electricity and readily accessible Internet, it is difficult to be part of field visits or ministerial outreaches. Despite the challenges, I remain committed towards ensuring that the President’s aspirations for the youth council are reached.”

Leon Johnson, National Cricketer. “Improvements in healthcare, child welfare, and education are all things I am eager to see. However, I am most enthusiastic to be a champion for change in Sports & Culture. As a professional and national athlete, I am excited about the opportunity to use my skillset and experience to impact improvements and development that can help Guyana produce world-class athletes. My hope is to play a key role in the development of programmes and policies that can be implemented to help shape professional athletes from childhood. World-class athletes evoke the feeling of nationalism which directly impacts nation-building.”

Kirsten Gomes, 18, Member of the Guyana Junior National Squash Team. “As one of the youngest members of the Council, I hope to contribute valuable insight from the younger generation on various areas of focus. In sports, it is evident that Guyana is missing out on undiscovered talents, as most opportunities are centred in Georgetown, as there is a lack of facilities, equipment and government funding. Therefore, I believe that I can assist in creating a plan that would outreach sports to different parts of the country, and implement school programmes to bring up a new generation of athletes.”

Loiselle Robinson, 29, Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Mathematics) and Regional Councillor of Mabaruma. “I strongly believe that there are many talented, educated and dedicated youths in Guyana who are willing to bring about a change in their respective communities. The voices of our youths must be heard to help foster and build a strong and one Guyana. I intend to advocate for further development of our hinterland regions and its people. I wish to see further improvements in the areas of sports, education, health and infrastructure.”

Lee Fung-A-Fat, 30, Bachelors in Biological Sciences and MBA in Healthcare; currently is finishing Masters in Data Science at the University of West Florida. “I came from a healthcare background, as my father Dr. Fung-A-Fat and I want to ensure that no Guyanese will ever have to worry about preventable health issues. As a Guyanese, I want us to have that leap forward to ensure these factors are never an issue in Guyana. With Data analytics, I know with feasible surveys and analysis, we can conquer these issues.”

Bibi Aafeeda Aleema Hakh, 25, commercial pilot and lieutenant employed by the Guyana Defence Force Aircorps. “Based on my experience, dynamic personality and diverse interests, I will be able to contribute to specific committee projects, such as the agricultural committee of which I am currently a member, working on projects aimed at ensuring food security and youth involvement. Additionally, it is my desire to have work done in Guyana’s aviation sector, aimed at improving local aviation practices, and the safety culture to ensure that they are in line with global best practices.”

Ian Jagan, 30, Dental Surgeon specialising in root canal treatment. “I personally would like to see improvements in the health, education and security sectors. Quality healthcare should be easily accessible to each individual, as good health is paramount to a fruitful lifestyle. Education is key to building a strong foundation in which each individual grows, and subsequently a stronger nation will be formed. A safe and secure environment provides a conducive setting for us to foster strong bonds, thrive together, and build a greater Guyana for today and the future.”

Aneesa Maryam Hussain, 22, Associates in Chemistry, currently pursuing an MD degree at Texila American University. “The pandemic has brought about the importance and the effects of both physical and mental health. That, as well as ensuring that there are more opportunities in our education system is where I hope to make a difference. We also need to seek better provisions for our students that are on the outskirts of Georgetown. It is unfair to our country that all of our best schools and teachers are concentrated in one area. One step at a time will lead us on a journey of success that sprung from the diverse minds of One Guyana.”

Ryan Chitranjan Jaikissoon, 27, of Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice; Secretary of the Board of the Mahaica Mahaicony/Abary Agricultural Development Authority. “It is of extreme importance that this current generation learn from both the mistakes and successes of the generations gone, because for the first time, we have a situation of unprecedented economic growth. My contributions would mainly be in the field of Agriculture. Generally, ideas of economising and perfecting production systems are fields I can contribute well to.”

Darshinie Persaud, 31, Associate Degree in Chemistry; soon to graduate with a Masters in Public Health. “ I am passionate about women empowerment. Regardless if you are a working woman or a stay-at-home mom, everyone has a role to play in society, and self-development is key. I would like to see kids off the streets and programmes being established to create opportunities that engage young minds. I am hopeful that in some ways I may contribute to this vision, working alongside many other talented youths towards building a greater Guyana.”