Region Eight villages urged to complete ICT hubs for scholarship programmes

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Hon. Pauline Sukhai has urged Kopinang, Kurukabaru, Paramakatoi and Bamboo Creek to complete their ICT support facilities so that they could maximise the opportunity to benefit from the Government’s 20,000 online scholarships programme.

The Minister made this appeal during a five-day visit to the Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight) communities last week.

The outreach formed part of the Government’s efforts to promote the initiative across the country.

“Our purpose is to ensure that hinterland villages benefit from the opportunity of applying for the scholarship,” Minister Sukhai said.

Even as she acknowledged that many Region Eight villages do not benefit from reliable internet service, Minister Sukhai said the Government is making investments to improve internet access in the hinterland.

The ICT initiative is led by Prime Minister Hon. Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Philips and forms part of a US$17.4 million project that seeks to ensure internet connectivity to some 200 communities nationwide.

Meanwhile, during her visit to Kopinang, the Minister spoke of the wide-ranging programmes being offered by the six international universities.

“These opportunities will require a certain level of entry. But there are some programmes that the programme list offers that will encourage those without the required certification to apply for those programmes.

When you do well in the first six months of the programme, and the institution is satisfied that you are student material, you will be able to graduate into a Bachelor’s degree programme,” she told residents.  

Minister Sukhai also noted that persons who cannot pursue the scholarships this year will have another opportunity to benefit next year.

“Of course, this … online scholarship will not just be for 2021. Through the first term of our office, our manifesto clearly specifies that in the first term of our office, we will offer 20,000 scholarships.

So, even though some of you may not benefit from it this year, your opportunity or chance is not lost.”

Minister Sukhai also handed over a quantity of food hampers to several people in all four communities to help buttress them as the COVID-19 pandemic prevails.