“You have a govt that supports you” – Min. Norton
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, June 30, 2019
St Cuthbert’s Residents were urged to reach for opportunities provided by the government for their development. A Ministerial team today conducted an outreach to the village.
Among the ministers who visited was Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Sport, Youth and Culture, Dr. George Norton.
In his address to the residents, the minister reminded that Indigenous communities must carefully develop their Village Improvement Plans and seek government’s help when necessary to accomplish their community goals.
Minister Norton said he was impressed with St Cuthbert’s plan.
“In the village improvement plan, your counsellors have put forward ideas on tourism packages, agriculture, sports development. It is all there, so we need that plan on paper then we will assist.”
According to Minister Norton, several ministries were allocated money for youth development and resources are there to be accessed. He encouraged the young people of St Cuthbert’s to seize these opportunities being made available to them.
“First, you can decide to further your studies by attending a specialised institution, or, two, make yourself or, three, you can establish your own business.”
He also commended the youths of the village for excelling in sports, since their village has been victorious in several sporting disciplines.
Meanwhile, Region 4 Chairperson, Genevieve Allen, who was also part of the visiting team, said the regional administration will continue to work with the village and lend assistance whenever possible.
The construction of a teacher’s dormitory to house teachers who work in the community was provided for in this year’s budget, and this will soon come on stream.
Allen noted that the students’ performances are continuously improving in the village and urged the community to place a strong emphasis on education for the further development of their community. “If we want St Cuthbert’s to develop that we need to focus on education, and as you focus on education you can make a tangible contribution towards the development of this community.” She also cited tourism and the development of skills among the youths as driving forces towards the growth of the community.
A quantity of sport gear was presented to the village youths.
Images: Keno George