First hinterland technical institute commissioned in Region 9
-can accommodate 120 students
DPI, Guyana, Friday, February 7, 2020
Hundreds of North Rupununi residents gathered at Bina Hill to witness the commissioning of the first hinterland technical institute.
The $130Million Hinterland Green Enterprise Centre is located in the same compound as the Bina Hill Youth Learning Centre in Annai and boasts eight classrooms, a modern computer and science laboratory, a large auditorium, and lecture room. The facility can to accommodate 120 students at any one time.
Prime Minister, Hon. Moses Nagamootoo, in his opening remarks, said the institute will address the high demand for skills training in the hinterland whilst simultaneously promoting training that aligns along a path of sustainable development.
“The government have made you part of that vision of the future. A vision we will start within the first 10 years – A Decade of Development. That decade will concentrate on making our country an educated nation…because the oil industry will need engineers, environmentalist, people with technical skills and we have to make you marketable.”
Prime Minister Nagamootoo noted that the technical institute joins the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service Programme (HEYS) and numerous other initiatives that the Coalition government has rolled out over the four years targeting hinterland youths to empower them.
One of the pioneers of the Green Enterprise Centre – Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, the Hon. Sydney Allicock – posited that the institute represents the actualisation of a collective dream of the Indigenous peoples.
The centre he noted will enable students to contribute meaningfully to the development of their villages, region and the country as a whole and over time could lead to the establishment of the first Hinterland University.
“Your government is committed to the continuous development of its most valuable resources, not oil, not gold, but you, our young people.” Minister Allicock declared.
Minister of Education, Dr. the Hon. Nicolette Henry described the commissioning as “a coming of age of the ‘green’ movement and expansion of the nation’s education system.” She said the event marks a turning point for ‘green’ education and the development of environmental literacy and nurturing economic sustainability among students.
The work of institute she noted will lend support to “an inclusive and prosperous Guyana that aspires to provide a good quality of life to all Guyanese based on sound education, social protection, low carbon footprint and new economic opportunities.”
Also attending the commissioning was Minister of Public Telecommunication. Hon. Catherine Hughes who assured the centre will be equipped with internet service.
Remarking on the growth and development of the Bina Hill Institute over the past four years the centre she noted is an important addition to President Granger’s vision of linking the hinterland and coastland regions. This vision she said is also being realised through communication. The Public Telecommunication Ministry has connected over 72 communities with free internet. Access is also available at health centres, schools, community centres, village offices and other public spaces in the hinterland.
The Hinterland Green Enterprise Centre is in keeping with President David Granger’s Ten-Point Plan for Hinterland Development- Hinterland Education Support Programme. It targets Indigenous youths Regions 1, 7, 8, 9, and 10 who will be trained in subject areas such as business management, leadership and enterprise, and technical areas such as motor mechanics and heavy-duty machinery. It will mirror all technical institutes in Guyana including the Government Technical Institute (GTI).
The project’s main objective is to stimulate economic growth by creating and supporting innovative leaders with the capacity and know-how to lead businesses in the challenging hinterland environment while driving upstream demand for local products and services.
The expectation is that this institution will be replicated in Regions 1, 7, and 8, with the feasibility studies done last year.
Also present at today’s event were; Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Valerie Garrido-Lowe and Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. Hon. George Norton.