THE Guyana Learning Institute (GLI), over the weekend, graduated 65 persons including valedictorian Christopher Rambarran, following their successful completion of a Board of Industrial Training (BIT) programme which targeted several disciplines.

The graduates received certification in key disciplines, including Supervisory Management, Psychology, Occupational Safety and Health, and Tourism Management, skills designed to support Guyana’s evolving workforce needs.

According to the BIT, the ceremony held at the Umana Yana was attended by a number of notable persons, including Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, former GLI Director and Principal, Chitra Singh-Samaroo, current Principal, Dr. Surrender Boodhoo, Directors, Saliema Singh and Dr. Ganga Persaud; and programme facilitators, Deonarine Hardat, Collis Spencer-Drakes, and Dr. Situs Edwards, among other officials.
At the time, Minister Hamilton delivered a stirring feature address and congratulated the newest cohort of graduates. He encouraged them to view education as a tool for national service.

The Labour Minister reminded the graduates that the true purpose of education extends beyond personal advancement; it is ultimately to serve the nation and uplift fellow citizens.
Reflecting on the government’s achievements, Minister Hamilton noted that under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration, more than 83,000 persons have been trained over the last five years through several initiatives, including the Board of Industrial Training, the Guyana Learning Institute, and the University of Guyana (UG).

These programmes, he said, were designed to be inclusive, benefitting not only young people but also persons with disabilities, among other underserved communities.
He further highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to human resource development as a key pillar of national progress. “You are now an important part of the workforce transformation taking place in Guyana,” Minister Hamilton stated.

Remarks were also delivered by Mrs. Singh-Samaroo, while the valedictorian, Christopher Rambarran, reflected on the group’s accomplishments.
Graduates are poised to make meaningful contributions to Guyana’s growing and dynamic workforce.
In May, during BIT’s Appreciation Dinner and Award Ceremony, BIT’s Chief Executive Officer Richard Maughn outlined a strategic vision which focuses on six priorities: expanding access to training, introducing micro-credentialing, operationalising Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), strengthening industry partnerships, enhancing lifelong learning and building robust data systems for tracking outcomes.

With BIT celebrating its 115th year of existence, he affirmed the institution’s unwavering mission to support national development through its inclusive skill training programmes, workforce preparation and occupational certification.