Research Assistant at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) Analesa Skeete is currently preparing to read for her Master of Biological Sciences in Mexico.
According to a press release from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Skeete, who was awarded a scholarship by the IICA/ National Science and Technology Board of Mexico (CONACYT) to pursue her Master’s Degree at the Centro de Investigación Cientifica de Yucatán (CICY) on June 29, is one of four Guyanese to have benefited from the scholarship programme aimed at professionals from the agricultural sector in the hemisphere.
The release stated that in 2014, Skeete was among the 14 students who benefited from the technical training activities under the Secretariat of Agriculture (SAGARPA) of Mexico and IICA signed Agreement to train 150 Technical Personnel from the Caribbean in priority areas. At that time, she was exposed to training in Plant Pathology Techniques.
According to the release, Skeete has been assigned to the Project ‘Management Strategy for the Control of Raoiella Indica Hirst (Red Palm Mite)’ in Guyana since 2013 and has also been dealing with common pests and diseases affecting coconut in Guyana. Her interest and experience have led her to receive training locally from experts affiliated with the Mexican National Institute of Research on Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock at NAREI during April, 2015, under a bilateral agreement between the Governments of Guyana and Mexico with support from IICA, the release said.
According to the release, Guyana stands to benefit tremendously from Skeete’s specialisation in pests and diseases of coconuts, a priority since the country currently does not have many professionals pursuing this field.
