The Ministry of Natural Resources’ third Annual apprenticeship programme ‘Youth in Natural Resources III’ saw 28 of its Apprentices graduating on August 30th, 2019.
The ceremony held at Baridi Benab State House saw in attendance HE President Brigadier David Arthur Granger, Minister of State Hon. Dawn Hastings-Williams, the Minister of Natural Resources Hon. Raphael Trotman, and representative of government agencies and extractive industries corporations.
Giving the feature address to the graduates was President David Granger who stressed on environmental, protection and preservation. While noting this and acknowledging the significant contributions of the natural resources sector to Guyana’s economy, the President went on to call for the continuous need for the sustainable exploitation of the nation’s patrimony to the benefit of all Guyanese, highlighting that conservation as a viable tool in sustainable development. He went on to note efforts made towards ensuring sustainability and developing a green nation to the benefit of the youth.
Continuing, the President went on to urge persons to become acquainted with the Green state development strategy to allow a better appreciation for the importance for environmental protection and sustainable development. He then went on to hail the Youth in Natural Resources programme.
“It is in this regard that the Youth in Natural Resources programme which we celebrate today is perceived as a commendable initiative, it exposes young people to the prospect of involvement in the extractive industries as an honorable vocation if done sustainable and with due regard for the environment. It involves young people in the protection and preservation of the environment. Youth in Guyana could look forward to a bright future in the natural resources sector. I commend the Ministry of Natural Resources on mounting this programme, I congratulate you the students on the completion of this programme and I wish you every success in the future.”
The Minister of Natural Resources also shared brief remarks with the youth and highlighted the intention of the programme. Minister Trotman stated that the programme’s purpose was to allow the youth to come into direct contact with the full scope of work of the Ministry, its agencies and stakeholders and communities that support the sector. More importantly, he said it was for them to see Guyana, and fall in love with it and to see the sector as one that is wholesome once the sector is developed responsibly it will be worthwhile.
“From my own interaction with you I am convinced, that you have met the treshhold that we have set. You have been chosen by the Government, and we have trained you, your country needs you. I thank you and wish you God’s fullest blessings in your exciting journey through life.”
The Youth in Natural Resources Programme began in 2017 as an initiative of Minister Trotman. The programme gives youth the experience of being engaged in all aspects of Guyana’s rich patrimony, and also provides the opportunity for them to receive training and a better understanding in critical areas of Natural resource management. The Ministry thanks all staff, corporate partners and sponsors, and sister agencies who have continued to support the programme from its inception and looks forward to working towards the success and benefit of Guyana’s future.
