Indigenous leaders urged to promote disciplined services careers in communities

…as Amerindians encouraged to embrace Govt training opportunities

Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, has urged indigenous leaders to encourage hinterland youths to pursue careers in the disciplined services. Speaking at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Wednesday, Minister Benn emphasized the government’s goal to diversify these forces and equip villages with professionals from their own communities.
Benn called for 300-500 annual recruits from Amerindian communities, highlighting the benefits of having locals serve in the interior regions. He stressed that this approach would foster better understanding, stronger relationships, and more effective task execution within their communities.
“Our aim is to enhance community development and security through local involvement in these services,” Minister Benn stated. “Having locals in these roles will lead to more efficient, caring, and responsive service that truly understands the needs of the communities they serve.”
During his presentation, Benn outlined the government’s efforts to modernize and improve services within the Guyana Police Force, Fire Service, and Prison Services. He noted that police stations are being equipped with cameras to ensure safety and prevent extortion, abuse, and disrespect, aiming for a more empathetic and responsible discipline force.
Benn also addressed the role of leaders in combating transnational crimes such as drug and human trafficking, stressing their crucial involvement in preventing these issues.
Additionally, the minister discussed the need for improved access to firearm and road license services, with leaders requesting that these services be made available within their communities.
Training opportunities
Meanwhile, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, called on Toshaos of the NTC to fully utilise the training opportunities provided by the Government. Speaking at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Dr Singh highlighted the importance of these opportunities for upgrading and enhancing skills in Amerindian communities.
He outlined the Government’s commitment to human capital development, noting that over 6,000 individuals from Regions One (Barima-Waini); Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) have received training since the administration took office. This includes 2,000 individuals trained under the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) in areas such as heavy-duty equipment operation, commercial food preparation, cosmetology, garment construction, electrical engineering, welding and fabrication, small engine repairs, and ICT.
The minister emphasised that the Government remains dedicated to investing in hinterland and Amerindian communities. He stressed that improving and building sustainable economies in every Amerindian village is a core focus of the PPP/C administration. Singh also underscored the importance of skill development and employment opportunities for indigenous people as part of the Government’s broader efforts to enhance their quality of life.
Singh detailed various training programs offered by the BIT and the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), which is a subvention agency of the Ministry of Finance. These programs cover areas such as water and sanitation, hygiene, and cooking, which are integral to development in the tourism sector. The BNTF has trained approximately 380 individuals in Mainstay and Mashabo in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
Additionally, Singh highlighted the scholarship opportunities provided through the Ministry of Public Service. Since 2020, nearly 200 scholarships have been granted to individuals from hinterland regions for studies both locally and abroad. The GOAL scholarship program has benefitted over 3,000 individuals from Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine with many emerging as leaders and enhancing their educational qualifications.
He encouraged Toshaos and community representatives to visit the GOAL booth at the ACCC to collect application forms and make use of the online and other training opportunities available. The National Toshaos Council conference is scheduled to conclude today.