Thirty persons graduated from the first Information Training Course at the Buxton/Friendship Practical Instruction Centre and Finance minister Dr Ashni Singh encouraged them to empower others by sharing their knowledge with them.
The graduates were trained in life skills, introduction to computers, and the use of Microsoft programmes, computer repairs and maintenance, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said. The sessions were facilitated by Buxtonian Fitzroy Younge, with assistance from other villagers, while the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) equipped the centre’s lab with 15 computers, desks, chairs, air-conditioning units and also upgraded the electrical system.
In his charge to the graduates, Singh said no one should miss out on the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the technological advances sweeping the world. Information Communication Technology training is high on government’s agenda as it transforms all spheres of life, he said, adding that “Ten years ago no one was employed in the IT sector in Guyana, today more than 4,000 young Guyanese… are directly employed in this sector, providing services to clients in other parts of the world.”
According to Singh, it was while monitoring the progress of works at the centre that the idea of sponsoring an IT training programme emerged. It was promoted by prominent Buxtonian and member of the ministry’s staff Clyde Roopchand, who is also the chairman of the BNTF Policy Steering Committee. Roopchand had also championed the cause for the construction of the centre.
Singh also extended gratitude to the Instruction Centre’s principal Owen McGarrell, for his management style, saying that he remains optimistic that more good stories would come out of the facility and Buxton. He also charged him to continue to make the facility available to train persons interested in pursuing education and pledged his ministry and government’s continued support to train a second batch of persons.
