THE 35th Cohort of Peace Corps Guyana Volunteers was officially sworn in on Thursday during a ceremony held at the historic Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown.

The event marked the beginning of a new chapter for 18 volunteers who have completed 10 weeks of Pre-Service Training and are now set to serve in various communities across Guyana.

The volunteers will be placed in key areas such as health, education, and environmental programmes, where they are expected to make significant contributions to the development and well-being of the local communities.

During his address at the ceremony, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, highlighted the impactful role that Peace Corps volunteers have played in enhancing health education in Guyana. He recalled the success of past volunteers, noting, “We had a Peace Corps volunteer many years ago who was able to improve health education and encourage people to attend clinics and adhere to their treatments.”
Dr. Anthony extended his congratulations to the new cohort and warmly welcomed them to Guyana, expressing confidence in their ability to make a positive difference.

The ceremony was also attended by several distinguished guests, including Peace Corps Country Director, Deborah Conner; U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole D. Theriot; Deputy Chief of Mission, Adrienne Galanek, and Jamal Goodluck, Programme Manager for Peace Corps Response. Representatives from the Ministry of Education and other volunteers were also present to celebrate the occasion.

As these 18 volunteers embark on their journey, they join a legacy of service and commitment that has been a hallmark of the Peace Corps’ presence in Guyana. Their work in health, education, and environmental programmes will continue to strengthen the bonds between the United States and Guyana while fostering development in the communities they serve.