92 graduate with service industry skills in Berbice

Ninety-two persons, the majority of whom are females, are now equipped with the skills necessary to contribute to the service industry, which is needed at this time in Guyana as the country continues on its developmental trajectory.
They all completed courses in nail technology – nail care and design; professional makeup skills, and decorative cake techniques – as well as basic and advanced information technology. The courses were conducted through the Humanitarian Mission Guyana Inc (HMG) – a non-profit organisation in Port Mourant, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who delivered the feature address at Saturday’s graduation ceremony, pointed out that it was not just the completion of a programme, but rather the beginning of a new journey.

“Some of you would have worked with brushes and scissors, some with frosting and fondant and others with codes and computers. And all of you, all of you will work with precision, passion and pride. That will be the hallmark of the way from now on. All of you who are graduating here today will contribute, not only for our country, but for the world to be a better, brighter, and more beautiful place for every one of us,” Mustapha pointed out. He added that the Government recognises the importance of education and has been placing lots of emphasis on it. Since taking office five years ago, the Government has increased the education budget from $50 billion, which it was then, to $175 billion today. This was done to ensure that both young and mature persons in Guyana can have the opportunity to ensure that we own our skills.
“That is testament to the importance the Government is placing on our education sector. So you are making that contribution.”
Mustapha urged that they take the skills acquired and turn them into service.
“Use your creativity to lift others. People depend on you now to change or have an enhanced personality. You will be solving problems. You make people feel seen, valued, and celebrated.” He pointed out that in a world that is moving towards automation and artificial intelligence (AI), the human touch and creativity matter more than ever.

“A computer cannot style hair with soul. It cannot decorate a cake with love. It cannot print intricate designs on a single fingernail or match the perfect foundation sheet to bring out someone’s natural glow. And even in IT (Information Technology), it is a human being who imagines, repairs, and supports the system we all rely on. Those are the importance of the disciplines and the various areas that you would have learnt in your courses just now. Your work skills and it is very essential,” he told the graduates.
Meanwhile, educator Dr Mark Lyte, speaking at the graduation ceremony on Saturday, called on the graduates to utilise the opportunities that are presented to them. “You have the foundation that is necessary to launch out in your society, in your own space, starting something that will go beyond your expectations.” Dr Lyte said the significance of education and the value of education cannot be overstated, pointing out that it provides knowledge that shapes our intellect and builds our understanding of the world.
“So think about the opportunities you have had and also think about what you can do with the skill you have gained. Think of going beyond the economic benefits. Recognising that education fosters critical thinking, creativity, and innovation,” he added.
Dr Lyte also pointed out that knowing the basics of something is not enough, as he underscored the importance of life skills.
“As you move forward, recognise that the skill you have gained is something that you need to replicate… what you have garnered here is part of life. The education and the skills training you have received will prepare you for the rest of your life. I grew up hearing that everything else may fall apart, but a sound education never decays,’ Dr Lyte said.

HMG
Dr Lyte pointed out that the Mission has been providing skills for those who would have completed secondary school and those who would have left prematurely.
HMG is dedicated to empowering underserved, communities in Guyana through education, skills training, and holistic outreach. Founded in 2005, the Mission operates a skills training centre in Port Mourant. To date 6,800 persons have received training through the Mission. Many of its trainees are women, single parents, or persons who face socioeconomic hardship. In addition to skills training, HMG provides broader community support: donations to victims of fires or domestic violence, tutoring, mentoring, grants, and even startup support for graduates who wish to become entrepreneurs. Overall, it aims to break the cycle of poverty in Guyana by equipping people with practical, marketable skills, nurturing self-reliance, and offering opportunities that extend beyond relief to transformation.