–Local Gov’t Ministry says, refutes mischievous claims by online page, ‘Credible Sources’

THE Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has unequivocally rejected recent false reports circulated by a social media page called ‘Credible Sources’, which alleged that students in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) have been informed there is no funding available for the annual 2025 work-study programme.

According to a press release from the ministry, these claims are completely false and are not supported by any factual information from the Ministry of Local Government or the Region Seven Department of Education.

The ministry confirmed that the work-study programme in Region Seven is proceeding as planned.

“There has been no cancellation or suspension of the programme due to financial constraints of any kind. In fact, preparations are actively underway to ensure that all eligible students, including those from Bartica Secondary, Three Miles Secondary, and D.C. Caesar Fox Secondary, have the opportunity to benefit from valuable workplace exposure and professional development during the upcoming work-study period,” the Local Government Ministry said.

This annual initiative, the ministry affirmed, remains a priority for the government as part of its broader effort to bridge the gap between secondary education and the world of work, and to equip students with practical skills and experiences that enhance their future employability.

“We are deeply concerned about the distress caused to students and parents by this irresponsible and mischievous dissemination of misinformation. The Ministry of Local Government urges the public to rely solely on official channels for accurate updates and to disregard speculative or anonymous reports,” the ministry said in its release.