Twenty-nine new US Peace Corps Volunteers were welcomed here at a ceremony yesterday.
A release from the Ministry of the Presidency said that they constitute the 32nd Cohort assigned here.
The release said that the volunteers will be based in communities across eight of the ten regions of Guyana for the next two years.
Ten will be placed to work in the field of education; ten in environment and nine in health, the release said.
US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch told the welcoming ceremony at her residence that the Peace Corps has devoted itself to developing state-of-the-art training during the past 10 weeks on the Essequibo Coast, which included intense sessions on technical theory, Creolese, Guyanese culture and practical training on model school programmes.
“We have a park ranger, a camp counsellor, a veterinary assistant and a special education teacher – to name a few professions represented – in the group. Your diversity brings in fresh ideas, strengthens tolerance within the group and in your new communities, and empowers each of you to share more of yourselves, explore more, and fully embrace the Guyanese culture.
You are being posted to eight of Guyana’s ten regions, and 40 per cent of you will be serving in some of the neediest Indigenous communities.
“Let me remind you that you are committing to two years of service – service to your country, the United States, and service to the Guyanese citizens in your communities and beyond.
As with those before you, we expect excellence; we expect professionalism; and we expect commitment during your two years of Peace Corps Service,” she said. First Lady, Sandra Granger, Minister of State Dawn Hastings-Williams, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings, Minister of Education Dr Nicolette Henry and members of the Diplomatic Corps also attended the event.
