Scholarship recipients pledge to contribute to nation’s development

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, January 29, 2020

With a proposed budget of more than $2Billion for scholarships in 2020, Guyanese looking to further their studies at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels have a variety of options through programmes offered by the Department of Public Service.

Scholarships are available both locally and overseas in fields such as Computer Science and Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Food Science and Technology, Architecture, Accountancy, Agriculture, Medicine, Veterinary Science, and Youth and Community Development among many others.

Diane Barker is the Deputy Director at the Guyana Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI), and one of the beneficiaries of this initiative. During an interview with DPI, Barker said she was granted a scholarship to pursue a postgraduate diploma in International Oil Gas and Energy Law, at the London Metropolitan University.

“I want to be a part of the process that will help govern and manage this new sector that we have in Guyana,” Barker said while adding that she was delighted to receive the government’s assistance to better arm herself to contribute to the nation’s development.

Another satisfied scholarship recipient is Martin Poon of Barima-Waini. Poon has received two scholarships; first to study for his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering in Cuba and afterwards to read for his Master’s degree in the same discipline for two years in China.

“When I received my certificates, I was elated because it was a dream come through for me to accomplish such goals,” the Department of Energy employee stated.

Tiffany Griffith, a process engineer with Guyana Water Incorporated, attained her Master’s degree in China.

“I went online and searched through several universities, and the tuition prices were very expensive. So, knowing that I was shortlisted, knowing that I was chosen out of a lot of applicants, I was beyond excited,” the young woman disclosed.

Meanwhile, the Public Service Ministry’s scholarship supported Sadesh Jaipersaud in his pursuit of his bachelor’s degree from the University of Guyana (UG) and has secured him employment at the Department of Energy as a chemist.

Jaipersaud told DPI, “I am from a single-parent family so financially we weren’t that well off to afford tertiary education. My brother and I both are recipients of the Public Service Ministry Scholarship. And we are very thankful for this because aside from that I don’t think we would have been able to study.”

Armed with new skills, Jaipersaud gave the assurance that he would be instrumental in shaping the future developments of the new oil and gas industry.

Other recipients included Bhavini Kaladeen and Mark December. Kaladeen completed a bachelor’s degree at UG while December obtained a master’s degree in oil and gas management abroad.

In 2018 the department launched its website which allows students and public sector workers to access the various scholarships, training and job opportunities available.

Interested persons can visit www.scholarships.dps.gov.gy for more information.

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