Minister of Natural Resources assures region 10 youth that government is more about action, as mining course is launched

The Minister of Natural Resources Hon. Raphael Trotman today assured Region 10 youth that the Government of Guyana is more about action and finding ways of serving and building them, and ensuring they are marketable and ready to serve.

Minister Trotman made these remarks at the launching of the Guyana Mining School and Training Centre Incorporated’s Mineral Prospecting and Map Reading Level 1 course at the Linden Technical Institute. The course is being conducted in collaboration with Technical and Vocational Education and Training registered National Technical Institutions.

Present at the event were Deputy-Mayor of Linden Mr. Wainwright Bethune, Principal of the Linden Technical Institute Ms. Shurla Brotherson, Chairman of the mining school Mr. Audwin Rutherford, Administrator/Coordinator of the mining school Mr. John Applewhite and the Regional Vice Chairman Mr. Elroy Adolph.

At the event the Minister urged the youth that it is important that they recognize that opportunities are present and available and to be reminded that these opportunities are not a favour of the Government, but a fulfilment of Government’s duty and commitment of building the capacity of Guyanese and ensuring that every citizen has equitable access opportunities. He went on to encourage them that as they progress in the course, they must apply themselves in the many ways that the course will require.

This is the first of several collaborative efforts that will occur between the Ministry of Natural Resources the Mining School, the Linden Technical Institute and other technical institutions across Guyana to increase the reach of persons accessing the school’s training products.

The Minister is indeed proud of the achievement of Mr. Audwin Rutherford and Mr. John Applewhite on being able to launch this course. With the recognition that Linden is indeed the gateway to the wealth of Guyana; it’s natural resources, the Minister has mandated both  Mr. Rutherford and Mr. Applewhite to ensure that there is an established branch of the mining school in the town by the end of 2019 to function as a  service to the people of Linden, Kwakwani, Ituni and also Regions 7, 8 and 9. This branch will work along with the Linden Technical Institute to strengthen each other.

The course is expected to run from January 31-February 22, 2019 and will see a total of 75 participants from Linden, Kwakwani and Ituni. It will cover topics on operational safety and health,  mining and environmental regulations, applying for exploration and mining permits, mineralization and topographic map interpretations, use of navigation instruments, and  basic mineral prospecting. It has two levels of Certification. Participants will move on after successfully completing each level.

Public Affairs and Communications Unit (PAU)                                                                                                                               

Ministry of Natural Resources