Labour Minister Manzoor Nadir told recent graduates from the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment that he hoped they capitalised on the opportunities it offered them.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release Nadir told the 180 graduates that the programme became a reality after sacrifices by many youth, parents and members of the private sector and he encouraged them to “continue training, education, dedication, and hard work.” The graduation ceremony was held at the Essequibo Technical Institute. The minister said when the programme was launched in Region Two about 11 months ago, only about a third of the number of graduates in this second phase of the programme participated.
Representative of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) Coreen Connelly, in delivering the project report, said it was the second ceremony held in the region with sub-regions Moruca, Pomeroon, Supenaam, the Essequibo Islands and Wakenaam. She said trainees graduated in over 27 areas of training. She said, too, “a travel allowance of $4,000 was offered to each trainee and basic tools and safety gear were provided for work and retained after training.”
Meanwhile, Technical Coordinator at the BIT Roderick Nurse congratulated the trainers and parents for their assistance in hosting the programme. He said the programme achieved a 91% attendance rate. Nurse said the ministry has always tried to provide programmes to benefit people and though sometimes it is tough motivating young people, “I am not surprised of the high rate in Region Two since it is always easier to retain in the outer regions.”
GINA quoted Region Two MP Farouk Khan as saying “the graduates have been given an opportunity to be exposed to the world of work, to improve their knowledge and enhance their skills, which will empower them to make valuable contributions to the development of our country.” He also commended the private sector’s contribution to the programme. Khan noted too that this was the first time that the programme has attracted such a large number of Amerindians.
In his presentation, Thakechand Ramnauth, a representative from the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce, said, “it is the young people of Guyana who have to take the floor in creating a vibrant economy based on selflessness.” In referring to the theme ‘Reducing youth unemployment’ he encouraged youth to start their own businesses and earn while giving service to others.
