“The intention is not for you to be a CSO forever” – Minister

…as 151 graduate from BIT programmes

A collaborative effort between the Labour and Amerindian Affairs Ministries saw a total of 151 Community Service Officers (CSOs) graduating with various skills through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).
A simple graduation ceremony on Wednesday, held at the Hinterland Scholarship Dormitory at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, saw 151 CSOs from various hinterland communities graduating from training programmes for photovoltaic systems, tractor driving and maintenance, and other areas.
The ceremony was attended by Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton, and Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal.

Hamilton, in his remarks, stated that the CSO programme came into being subsequent to the recognition of the difficulties persons in the hinterland areas face in employment and development.
“The CSO programme came into being, because there was a recognition of the difficulty of employment and development in Amerindian communities and hinterland communities. And therefore, the Government sought to have in every village either 10, 15, or 20 CSOs, pay them $30,000 and they were instructed to work with the Village Councils – work as a teacher’s aide in the school, work with the CHW [Community Health Worker] or the nurses at the health centre to learn a skill to understand Government policy and how Government functions,” he explained.
Additionally, he noted that the intention was not for the graduates to be CSOs forever, but for that to serve as a building block for them to elevate to greater things.
“I know of CSOs who started off as a CSO and today they are nurses… they are teachers…. CSOs, the intention is not to have you be a CSO even when you are grandparents.”
Meanwhile, Minister Croal expressed satisfaction in the programmes being offered while reassuring the group of the Government’s commitment to aid in their development.
“I’m particularly pleased that the Board of Industrial Training has a number of programmes… relevant programmes that are geared towards creating opportunities for employment, but more importantly, that wherever you traverse in the hinterland regions, it will provide an equal opportunity for all,” he expressed.
He further stated that “our Government is committed to providing opportunities for all of its citizens, but more importantly, we are committed to bridging the gap with the hinterland and the coastland. And training programmes like these will certainly help in reducing that gap”.