Thirty-four persons recently graduated from a skills-training programme hosted by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) at Matthew’s Ridge, Region One.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release the programme featured courses in three areas: carpentry, welding and catering. GGMC collaborated with the Guyana Girl Guides Association (GGGA), the United Nations Children’s Fund and the United States Agency for International Development to host the two-month programme.

At the graduation exercise hosted at the Matthews Ridge Skills Training Centre, GGMC Liaison Officer George Spencer said community development is high on the Commission’s agenda. “We are into education, health and another activity that would foster the development of communities. This is something that we continually seek to do.” He added that the Matthew’s Ridge training centre, which should have been started years ago, is only the beginning of other empowerment programmes that will be implemented in the area.

Additionally, Matthews Ridge Community Development Officer Cornelly McAlmont commended the GGMC for playing a pivotal role by providing the building and the equipment for the programme to be implemented. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Guyana Industrial Training Centre also supported the programme by providing tutors. The community was also commended for supporting the programme from the conceptual phase.

According to GINA, skills training was identified as the ideal programme to empower the community based on the findings from a needs-based assessment conducted by the GGMC and the executing agency, the GGGA found that teaching, mining, health and logging were the main activities undertaken there.

The survey also found that the population comprised a high percentage of youth and therefore a decision was taken to provide training in other areas where careers can be pursued.

The GGMC intends to continue this initiative which will get under way in Port Kaituma, Kwakwani and Ituni in Region Ten and Mahdia, Region Eight with the establishment of training centres. The GGGA also plans to execute development projects including in sport, for Agricola and Buxton.

GINA said GGMC acting Commissioner William Woolford also attended the ceremony.