Scholarships will prepare citizens for oil and gas economy

─ Minister Walrond at East Coast GOAL launch

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Hon. Oneidge Walrond says all Guyanese should take advantage of the Government’s 20,000 online scholarships programme, to prepare themselves for the oil and gas sector.

Minister Walrond was at the time addressing residents of Non Pariel and Enterprise villages, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Wednesday, during the launch of the programme there.

She said the programme will help individuals to develop skillsets which will help them to adapt to the changing trends, particularly in the coming oil economy.

“We know that Guyana is on a trajectory, a very fast one, I don’t know if you’ve been paying attention, but we discovered oil and gas and there’s a rush for business enterprise and development.

And this programme, the Guyana Online Academy of Learning is our gift to the people of Guyana to say, for free, get yourself prepared for the rush of gold. Gold meaning the riches of wealth and knowledge, that is going on, that is coming and flooding, as we speak in our land. And for you to take advantage of those. You have to have your certifications, you have to have, you have to be prepared.”

Minister Walrond noted that regardless of the courses individuals choose, their level of critical thinking will be enhanced.

“Because ultimately, once you engage your mind in the process of education regardless of whatever what program you choose the critical thinking that comes with education and learning, always applies across the board, and you are better for it, and we are better for it as a nation,” the Minister said.

Minister Walrond said it was no easy task for the Government to roll out the scholarships programme to the people of Guyana. In this regard, she said persons should be eager to grab hold of the opportunity.

She said President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has mandated that the programme be delivered to every citizen, regardless of their academic background.

The Minister also encouraged those in attendance to spread the word and encourage others to apply for the scholarships as they are being offered from well-known universities around the world.

Prospective scholar, Ebony Payne lauded the initiative, and said it will give persons like herself a second chance at education.

“Personally, I think it is a good initiative, because it does right by persons who are willing to educate themselves again, to elevate themselves, and I think it fit in that category so that’s why I was ready and willing to jump at it.

I was at school and I left school and I didn’t think I gained the requirements that I needed, the education that I needed, so after being home for so long I tell myself that this is an opportunity because most of the time, when programs are going on like this, I always miss it and I was so eager when I realised that it was so close to my area, that I got to get a go at this.”

Meanwhile, Terry Ali another resident and prospective scholar encouraged others to make use of the opportunities presented to them.

“It’s a very good imitative by the Government to bring this scholarship to all of us, I’m encouraging everyone to take opportunity of this and make full use of it so that it could better the country at large.”

Persons are urged to complete their applications before the Saturday, May 22 deadline.