‘Further your studies, return to your communities and serve’
– Min. Allicock tells Annai graduates
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, October 26, 2019
In his charge to the over 79 graduating students of Annai Secondary School, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock urged them to further their education and develop the skills needed to build their communities and the country as a whole.
Addressing the gathering, at the graduation exercise held at the institution located in the North Rupununi, Region 9, Minister Allicock explained that as Guyana rapidly develops there is a need for more skilled personnel at the community level.
“Guyana is not going to be the same. We need engineers, we need electricians, caterers, mechanics, persons who can provide transportation services… think about getting involved in fields such as tourism and agriculture,” Minister Allicock emphasised.
According to the minister, the government has been doing its part by providing the means necessary for young people in the hinterland to access tertiary education. There has been an increase in the number of scholarships offered to hinterland students; and this year, over 67 students were awarded scholarships to attend institutions such as the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), the Government Technical Institute (GTI) and the Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE) among others.
To ensure these students are housed in a safe comfortable space while pursuing their education in the capital city, the government invested $186M to construct a Hinterland Student Dormitory at Liliendaal on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).
Additionally, the government has spent over $150M to construct a Green Enterprise Development Centre in the North Rupununi to deliver specialised technical training to 120 youths at any one time. The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs also signed an MOU with MACORP to provide cost-free training to hinterland youths in the area of heavy-duty machinery.
“Take these opportunities, go and become truly rounded with skills that this country will need. When projects come, you must be the contractors, the engineers…go and qualify your self and we will continue to support you,” Minister Allicock.
Principle of the Bina Hill Institute, Loraine Pierre, who was also a hinterland scholarship student herself, called on the students to pursue opportunities through which they can gain skills and good character.
Of the 79 students who wrote the Caribbean Secondary Examination (CSEC), 49 passed with Grades One Three. Headmistress Sharmain David reported that the school saw significant improvement in English Language.