Minister of Labour, Manzoor Nadir, in his feature address at the graduation exercise held for youths at the Essequibo Technical Institute, encouraged the private sector “to join hands and provide a better pay package so that Guyana can retain youths that have been trained.”
He said 129 youths from Regions One and Two have obtained foundation training in several fields and he encouraged them not only look to forward to employment but to strive to provide services from which others can benefit. According to a press release, Nadir said in the “very near future”, Essequibians will benefit tremendously from a major economic boom, and as a result will need the services of many. In keeping with this he advised the graduates “to put building blocks on their foundations.”
The minister also commended the Region Two administration and the health sector for their role in providing the opportunity for the youths to acquire the necessary skills training, and urged more participation from private sector for the New Year when the second phase of training will start.
Meanwhile, president of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce, Ravi Mohan, on behalf of the private sector, commended President Bharrat Jagdeo and all the persons who were instrumental in executing the initiative. Mohan gave assurances that he will encourage the private sector to provide more opportunities to youths to ensure a brighter future for all Guyanese.
In delivering the charge to the graduates, Director of Industrial Training, Dr Dale Bisnauth, told them to be the best ambassadors of the programme. He also urged them not to hesitate to enhance their skills and to develop discipline.
Jagdeo launched the national training project for youth empowerment on June 20, 2005. It is executed by the Board of Industrial Training in six of Guyana’s ten administrative regions. Youths between the ages of 16 to 25 can acquire foundation skills as nurses aides, teachers aides, carpentry, and in many other fields of work.
