Green Enterprise Development Centre for Region Nine; Lapidary workshop for Region Eight
DPI, Guyana, Monday, November 27, 2017
A $200M Hinterland Green Enterprise Development Centre will be constructed in the North Rupununi, Region Nine. This will be a key facility for job creation for hinterland communities, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan announced during his presentation of the 2018 National Budget, today.
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan.
The centre will be located in the geographic space of the Bina Hill Institute, Annai Central. It is intended to focus on training that will leverage indigenous traditional knowledge and drive upstream demand for local products and services.
According to Minister Jordan, the flagship initiative, is expected to serve 120 students from Region One, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten.
He explained that $79M has been allocated in Budget 2018 to commence the construction of the facility, next year.
The complex will benefit from two dormitories in 2018, that will cater for 60 males and 60 female’s students, the Minister explained.
Meanwhile, provision was also made in Budget 2018, for the establishment of a lapidary workshop which will provide employment for youths in Monkey Mountain, and the nearby villages of Tuseneng, Kurukabaru, and Kato in Region Eight. Employment at the lapidary involves the engraving, cutting, or polishing of stones and gems.
The Government’s vision is to develop and implement a plan for universalising a programme of technical and vocational training across the country, through the creation of skills training centres and programmes in every region.
The establishment of the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme has thus far provided technical training to some 4000 youths in 212 hinterland communities.
Additionally, this year, the sum of $186 million was allocated for the construction of a new dormitory facility, to facilitate hinterland students desirous of attending a higher institute of learning on the coast. While over $36M was allocated for the construction of a dormitory at the Bina Hill Institute.
By: Synieka Thorne