Thirty-eight students recently graduated from a University of Guyana/Institute of Distance and Continuing Education course with Certificates in Public Management.
In his address at the graduation ceremony, hosted at the Novar Primary School, Region Five, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds challenged the graduates “to match the rapid growth and development seen in the last 50 years by the people of China.” According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release he urged them to remember the support their parents offered them and to support those following in their path.
Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony urged the graduates to build on their success. He also urged them to read more and to utilize what they have learnt and to help others along the way. The course lasts for six months with a total of 120 contact hours. Forty-one persons registered and 38 completed the programme.
In giving an overview of the programme Ganga Persaud, a facilitator, said it started 20 years ago when the first course was held in 1989 in Region Three. The course was delivered only in regions three and four for a number of years but in 2004 a decision was taken to host it in Mabaruma, Region One. It was deemed a success due to corporate support. By 2009 with an influx of facilitators, the IDCE was able to increase its offering to two courses per year.
According to GINA, other key speakers included Region Five Chairman Harrinarine Baldeo and IDCE Director Dr RC Sharma.
