More opportunities for Reg. 1 youth

─ Mabaruma and Port Kaituma community grounds to be upgraded
─ more job opportunities for youth from Essequibo Technical Institute

 DPI, Guyana, Thursday, August 8, 2019

 Enhancing the lives of young people in Region 1 is a top priority for the Northwest District’s Regional Administration. The enhancement of community grounds along with creating jobs for youth through technical and vocational training resonates strongly with the work plan outlined for the Barima-Waini Region.

In an exclusive interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Regional Executive Officer of Region 1, Randolf Storm noted approximately $12M is set aside to upgrade the Mabaruma settlement ground. “We will improve the pavilion. We will do the fence [and] we will do a stage for the artists who will perform there,” the REO explained.

Port Kaituma’s community ground will also receive a facelift. “Once we have these facilities up and running it will allow the youths to be involved in sports and games,” said the REO. Mabaruma’s ground is also used to conduct classes for students who may not have performed outstandingly in school.

Additionally, concerning the preparation of young people for the adult workforce, the regional administration have plans in the pipeline for those attending the Essequibo Technical Institute.

According to REO Storm, “we want to reopen our workshop so they can get practical training during the august vacation. We also plan to create positions for them by having a maintenance department.”

Since the Regional Administration lacks a maintenance department, the REO is hopeful that skills acquired in the areas of auto mechanics, welding, plumbing, and carpentry, will be resourceful to the region once the department is in place. As such, the construction of a maintenance workshop is part of the region’s budget.

The regional administration has directly employed 39 young people that attended the Essequibo Technical Institute. Under 2019’s approved budgetary allocation for the region, approximately 46% has been expended.