–314 individuals in Region Nine trained in 15 skill-set programmes for 2022

THIRTY-seven women in Lethem, Region Nine, recently graduated from a three-week intensive Solar Photovoltaic Technology programme undertaken by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

The women received their certificates in the presence of Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton; Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud; BIT Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Maughn; Guyana Energy Agency Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mahender Sharma; Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)’s Dr. Malaika Masson; and Region Nine Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock among other officials.

Minister Hamilton, in brief remarks, said that the ceremony is a testimony of the government’s commitment to empowering women, through skills training, to be employed, especially in the emerging solar energy sub-sector and their Productive Use of Energy (PUE).

He said given the success of this training programme, he hopes to continue it, with the support of all relevant stakeholders, as it spotlights the need for partnerships to create skilled individuals.

The minister pointed out that since taking office in August 2020, he has been able to tremendously increase BIT’s coverage in Guyana, which has impacted the lives of many, a direction he will continue to forge, as outlined in Government’s Manifesto promise.

For 2022, BIT has trained some 314 individuals in Region Nine in 15 skillset programmes. Out of those training programmes, seven were complex. The labour minister pointed out that 61 per cent of the trainees are females.

Minister Persaud thanked the graduates for taking advantage of the opportunity they’d been given, as their efforts demonstrate the government’s intention towards sustainable renewable energy sources.

She noted that initiatives like these not only ensure that Guyanese people benefit from equal opportunity, but also reduce gender inequality in the country.

The Human Services Minister told them that they are now pioneers of the programme who will inspire other females to be trained in other traditionally male-dominated professions, much like a ripple effect.

As such, she believes this collaboration among ministries and agencies has been effective as it allowed women to move from a state of dependence to independence to join the country’s workforce.

BIT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Maughn shared similar sentiments as Minister Hamilton. He also told the graduates the attitude and willingness to utilize their skills and knowledge would change their social and economic position. The skills given, he said, must not be wasted but used to better oneself and, by extension, society to impact the lives of those around them.