IN keeping with the government’s drive to educate and equip Guyana’s youth with critical skills and knowledge to be competitive and marketable in a growing economy, 92 hinterland persons have benefitted training in several areas, including tourism and hospitality, and garment construction.

The graduates, who hail from Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo), and 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) received their certificates during a convocation ceremony at the Bina Hill Institute and Research Centre on Friday.

The youngsters are embracing the training, and the opportunity to secure employment.

The programme was made possible through a collaboration between the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.

The 2023 Capacity Building Programme for CSOs is themed, ‘Advancing our Youths through Capacity Building’.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai said, “The Rupununi is acting as an incubator by providing leadership in tourism throughout the hinterland.”

She also urged for training, especially garment construction, not to be stereotyped.

“It must cut across all genders; you have the option of opening up your own sewing business, where you can specialise in sewing school uniforms in your village or other nearby villages,” she said.

Minister Sukhai also encouraged women to expand their skills, and challenge socially- constructed gender roles like agriculture, and to utilise newer technologies.

Best graduating student in garment construction Hebron Fredericks, who hails from Yurong Paru, said, “I feel good to be the best graduating student. The teacher was very kind, and taught very good; I’m very happy that I have a certificate now.”

Similarly, the top student in tourism and hospitality, Aneesa McDonald said she threw caution to the wind, not knowing what would be the direction of the course. However, after excelling, she plans to continue in that field.

She confessed that without the training provided by the government, she would not have gotten the opportunity to receive the needed certificate.

McDonald made an appeal to youths to capitalise on similar training opportunities.

“I find it a lot interesting, not knowing a thing about tourism when I started. I would like to encourage others to be a part of tourism, because it is very interesting and very adventurous,” she emphasised.

During the training, the CSOs were enlightened about the way tourism projects are implemented in the Rupununi, after having a first-hand view of the Rewa and Surama eco-lodges.

As importance has been placed on exploiting Guyana’s far-reaching tourism potential, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kamrul Baksh charged the graduates to work diligently in their villages.

“You are now all equipped with the knowledge of how to run an enterprise; you need to put that into practice,” Baksh stressed.

Meanwhile, Toshao of Annai Michael Williams implored the participants to share the acquired knowledge.

“When you leave here, please impart your knowledge; help, and assist the building of your village and village council. Don’t be greedy; we were not greedy to train you,” Toshao Williams said.

The graduation of youths in Region Nine exemplifies the nature of the government, which is to ensure that all Guyanese are afforded opportunities, regardless of their location. (DPI)