IN a major boost for workforce development in the Essequibo region, fifty residents have successfully completed training as certified Heavy-Duty Equipment Operators (HDEOs). The graduates—comprising 40 men and 10 women—were honoured in a ceremony on Friday at the Essequibo Technical Institute.

The six-month training programme provided participants with hands-on experience and essential technical skills, preparing them for careers in the rapidly growing heavy machinery sector. The event was attended by Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, along with key officials, including Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Richard Maughn, Technical Officers Rooplall Looknauth and Mohammed Shaheed, and Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Natecia Garraway.

Minister Hamilton emphasised that the graduation marked the fulfillment of a promise made to the people of Essequibo, reinforcing the government’s commitment to skills development and employment creation. The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to equip citizens with the technical expertise needed to thrive in Guyana’s evolving economy.

This achievement stands as a testament to the government’s dedication to investing in human capital, ensuring that residents across all regions have access to opportunities for professional growth and economic empowerment.