36 more volunteers sworn for service in Guyana
A BATCH of 36 energetic and service-oriented United States (U.S.) Peace Corps trainees, having just concluded the first nine weeks of their stint in Guyana, yesterday took the solemn oath administered by Charge d’Affaires at the American Embassy in Georgetown, Mr. Thomas Pierce.
The swearing  effectively made them full fledged Peace Corps volunteers, who will continue to serve in this country for the next two years. The ceremony was the highlight of a colourful and celebratory programme in observance of the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps, from which some 200,000 volunteer Americans served in 139 countries.

This newly sworn group arrived on February 15 and engaged in an intensive pre-service training course prior to being assigned within the Health, Education and Information Technology (IT) sectors, joining colleagues to work in a collaborative partnership with host country counterparts and organisations within the 10 administrative regions.

Community-based activities in which volunteers participate are consistent with and complementary to the objectives and strategic planning of the Government of Guyana, the embassy said.

The Peace Corps reflects the diversity of the American people and its volunteers return to the U.S. as global citizens, with leadership, cross-cultural understanding and technical skills well beyond those of their peers, Director of Programme and Training, Ms. Kavita  Pulapilly said

The Peace Corps was officially established by President John F. Kennedy’s executive order on March 1, 1961.  Ever since, Peace Corps volunteers, infused with vigour, zeal and a sense of selflessness, take pride in giving service to humanity.

Volunteers first arrived in Guyana in 1966 and served through 1971.  In 1995, they returned and, since then, some 400 of them have served here.

Pulapilly said the  Peace Corps is pleased to work in tandem with Guyanese partners in this development assistance to the people of Guyana and extends its gratitude to the Government and people for the hospitality and opportunity it offers the volunteers to assist in achieving the nation’s development aspirations.

FRUITFUL COLLABORATION
Meanwhile, expressing appreciation for and in recognition of their years of fruitful collaboration, the Government of Guyana and others from the wider Guyanese society, proudly joined with the U.S. embassy in Georgetown and the Peace Corps in celebrating their 50 years of success.

Among those in the distinguished gathering were UNAIDS Country Director, Dr. Ruben Del Prado and other members of the Diplomatic Corps; representatives of the Ministries of Health and Education and host families from the communities of St. Cuthbert’s Mission and West Bank Demerara in which the volunteers have been working.

Pierce, in brief remarks, congratulated the volunteers and expressed appreciation to Guyana for its support as the Corps continues to deliver on its mandate.
Also addressing the gathering were Peace Corps Country Director, Mr. Bramnon Brewer, who gave the keynote address; Mr. Nazim Hussein, on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy; Mrs. Melcita Bovell, Assistant Chief Education Officer and Mrs. Paulette Henry, who gave an overview of pre-service training.

Volunteers Simone Sills and Shellon Bovell expressed appreciation on behalf of the Corps.
Guests were entertained to choice music by Pan Side Steel Orchestra and an educational video presentation of works of the volunteers over the last nine weeks. There was also a captivating   exhibition of items made by them and services they provide in the regions of Guyana.

During the function, the volunteers acknowledged the tremendous impact that its Director, founding father and guiding light, Sergeant R. Shriver had on the Peace Corps. After giving 50 years of yeoman service, he died last January 18.