Region Nine leading the way in ‘green state’ agenda

 

–  $130M Green Enterprise Centre to be constructed

DPI Guyana, Saturday, June 9, 2018

Guyana’s first Hinterland Green Enterprise Development Centre to be located in the North Rupununi, Region Nine is one step closer to realisation. The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and the JR Ranch Construction Incorporated on Friday signed a $13oMillion contract for the institute’s construction.

The project is in keeping with President David Granger’s ‘green state’ development agenda. Its main objective is to stimulate economic growth by creating and supporting innovative leaders with the capacity and know-how to lead businesses in the challenging environment of the hinterland, whilst driving upstream demand for local products and services.

At the signing ceremony, at the Bina Hill Institute, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock explained that the project’s overarching goal is to support the transition of a ‘green economy’ by leveraging indigenous and traditional knowledge to develop and document sustainable business practices for application in enterprise across Guyana.

The institute, Minister Allicock said will deliver a curriculum in Sustainable Enterprise Leadership and an Enterprise Support Unit. “We will be offering ‘the bush-MBA’- two-year hands-on course in enterprise design and start-up, management, sustainability, and leadership, coupled with access to business support services.”

The minister further explained that the North Rupununi was chosen because it has the highest density of protected areas in Guyana. It is an area with a high commitment to environmental sustainability and with high levels of awareness among the population of the underlying issues related to sustainability.

Additionally, the location allows the proposed centre to influence the knowledge and technical expertise available at the Iwokrama Rainforest Centre. It is also a proposed area of community conservation.

Located in the geographic space of the Bina Hill Institute, Annai Central, 20,000 square feet the two-story concrete and wooden structure will comprise eight classrooms, a modern computer and science laboratory and a large auditorium and lecture room.

“We expect the contractor to deliver the works within time and in keeping with the scope and cost of the contract. We will not take any shoddy work, so we expect quality and value for money,” Permanent Secretary, Alfred King cautioned.

The PS told the Bina Hill administrators to operate like the stakeholders they are, and “be attentive and to make objections when you observe things that are not in keeping with the contract. You will be the sole beneficiaries of this project and we welcome your involvement.”

The project is expected to be completed within 12 months, with a defects liability period of six months. The official commencement date is June 22.

The green centre is a flagship initiative that will serve as a key facility for job creation for hinterland communities. It will accommodate 120 students from Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten. The students will pursue a two-year course after which they will graduate with a certificate

By: Synieka Thorne.

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