-Minister Hamilton tells Region Two skills training graduates
MINISTER of Labour Joseph Hamiton has called on the 224 persons who successfully completed skills training recently, to use the opportunities provided to them to further develop and elevate their lives.

He was at the time delivering the feature address at a graduation ceremony held on Tuesday at the Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI) in Region Two.

Minister Hamilton said the opportunities are provided by the Government of Guyana to empowered Guyanese in various skill training programmes.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Hamilton emphasised the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening technical and vocational education. He said that the Ministry of Labour, through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), has expanded training opportunities and introduced new technologies to ensure citizens are equipped for the evolving labour market.

To date the sum of $190,880,740 has been invested by the Government of Guyana in training programmes for Region Two. Since 2020, a total of 1,746 beneficiaries, 892 males and 854 females, have been trained through BIT in the region.

Minister Hamilton said that currently aeronautics training is ongoing in the region and 24 young people already have already commenced studies in Aircraft Maintenance Foundation at ETI, marking the first time this specialised training has been offered in the region. The batch will complete the course in nine months.

The minister also disclosed that a Fiber Optic Installation and Maintenance programme will soon be rolled out in Essequibo, further broadening opportunities for young people.

Meanwhile, Chief Labour Officer Mr. Dhaneshwar Deonarine emphasised that the government’s training initiatives are part of a wider human capital development strategy, positioning Guyanese to take advantage of opportunities in sectors such as oil and gas, tourism, and other support services.

Regional Chairperson, Vilma Da Silva, commended the beneficiaries for seizing the opportunity to acquire lifelong skills that will enable them to pursue meaningful employment and entrepreneurship. De Sliva urged persons to make use of the opportunities available to them.

A total of 224 residents of Region Two successfully graduated from technical and vocational training programmes. The graduating batch comprised 82 males and 142 females from both the Lower and Upper Essequibo Coast.

In lower part of the region, 104 beneficiaries, including 48 males and 56 females, completed training in Electrical Installation, Joinery, Welding and Fabrication, Small Engine Repairs, General Office Administration, and Cosmetology.

In the other part of the region, 120 beneficiaries, including 34 males and 86 females, are now certified in Commercial Food Preparation, Cosmetology, Outboard Motor Repairs, Auto Mechanics, and Welding and Fabrication.

Technical Officers Mr. Lokenauth Rooplall and Mr. Mohammed Shaheed presented the project report and extended congratulations to the graduates.

Also present at the ceremony were Regional Executive Officer Susannah Saywack; Administrative Officer Ms. Indira Singh; Technical Officers Ms. Adanna Edwards, Mr. Lokenauth Rooplall and Mr. Mohammed Shaheed; Mr. Mahendra Chattergoon, Lecturer at ETI and other key officials.