One hundred (100) persons, comprised of men, women, youth and senior citizens, on Friday, December 3, 2021, graduated from another Board of Industrial Training (BIT) at Lethem, Region Nine. The graduates received certificates in Information Technology, Garment Construction, Catering and Cake Decoration, Joinery and Heavy-Duty Equipment Operation (HDEO).
The two-segment graduation was held at Lethem Town Council, Town Hall and was attended by Minister of Labour. Hon. Joseph Hamilton, CEO of BIT, Mr. Richard Maughn, Senior Finance Officer, Mr. Darren Torrington, BIT’s Board Member and Retired Principal of Carnegie School of Home Economics, Mrs. Penelope Harris, Mayor of Lethem, Mr. John Macedo, Deputy Mayor, Mrs. Debra King, along with other officers attached to the Ministry of Labour.
The proceedings were chaired by BIT’s Public Relations Officer, Ms. Ayana George, with the CEO of BIT, delivering the charge to the graduates. In his speech, the CEO mentioned, that throughout the year the labour minister and his team travelled to villages in Deep South, South Central, North Rupununi, Central and the South Pakaraima, to deliver training programmes to villagers, equipping them with the necessary skills to earn an income for them families and develop their communities.
“The moment you received your certificates, you should applaude yourselves but understand that the certificates handed out is just to certify the trade you would have received from BIT. Now is the time for you, the graduates, to use your skills, enter the business or tourism and hospitality sector and become a product of social development,” Mr. Maughn said.
Mayor, Mr. John Macedo expressed gratitude to the ministry and BIT and claimed that the one hundred persons didn’t just graduate from the training agency but instead, one hundred persons will positively contribute to the labour sector in region nine.
In his ministerial address, Minister Hamilton that BIT widely contributed to community development through the ten administrative regions of Guyana. He further explained that when he took office in August 2020, BIT was seen as an agency that catered just to persons in region four and was unknown to other regions. However, with the re-establishment of the ministry, the mandate to promote capacity building, through the delivery of Technical and Vocational Education and Training became a country wide agenda.
“We will continue to collaborate, build and expand training programmes under BIT. However, one of my requirements is that persons applying for programmes, complete the programme and trainers grasp the importance that our training are offered to persons from all walks of life. Hence, they must be prepared and commit themselves to seeing the trainees reach the finish line at all cost.” The Minister stated.
He further mentioned that the courses are not gender specific and one of his main goals, coming 2022, is push more women and girls to pursue training that are male dominated, since it is widely known to be in high demand.
The delivery of programmes to the residents of region nine would not have been possible, without the commitment of the region’s Technical Officer, Ms. Indira Marisa Singh, who travelled via ATV bike to raise awareness to toshaos and councilors of the programmes offered by BIT. Presently, Ms. Singh is recovering from a vehicular accident and aims to continue the drive to deliver BIT’s and the ministry’s mandate.
Also, BIT acknowledge, Project Coordinator, Mr. Rohan Bishop for arranging residents from far reached communities, making it possible for them to attend today’s graduation.
PC: DPI | Dexter Ceres.
(Board of Industrial Training, Public Relations Department).