28 hinterland residents certified in Heavy Machinery Operation

In a major milestone for hinterland workforce empowerment and infrastructural transformation, the first batch of 28 residents has successfully completed professional training and certification in skid steer and compactor operation.

The intensive training initiative forms a cornerstone of the Ministry of Public Works’ Special Projects Unit Community Participation Model programme, tailored specifically for hinterland regions. The comprehensive curriculum combined rigorous theoretical instruction with hands-on practical exercises focusing on equipment utilisation, routine maintenance, and advanced contamination control for heavy-duty industrial machinery.

Addressing the graduation ceremony at MaCorp, Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill underscored the profound developmental impact of this initiative for residents of Region Eight, particularly those residing across the mountainous terrain.

He reflected on the evolution of governmental support, noting that while the administration initially provided villages with smaller five-million-dollar grants primarily designated for basic tasks like grubbing, continuous dialogue with village leaders and regional bodies such as the National Toshaos Council (NTC) revealed an overwhelming demand for expanded community-led development.

Historical challenges involving outside contractors and subsequent project abandonments prompted a decisive shift in national policy. Consequently, the government increased capital allocations to a maximum ceiling of thirty million dollars per village, pairing these funds with accredited institutional training to ensure local communities retain direct ownership and control over their infrastructural progress.

Expounding on the mechanics of the policy, Minister Edghill explained, “It is from this decision that you were divided into clusters to execute the works identified by the community. Your leaders said you can do the work once you’re trained, and we delivered. Additionally, we could just buy and send machines without you knowing how to use and maintain them, but we chose the premier institution where machines and training are concerned to ensure you have the best level of training. Now, as you return to your villages, and as the second batch of trainees heads out, you can tell your colleagues you attended training at one of the most prestigious institutions.”

The Minister further charged the graduates with immediate responsibilities: “You have received your certificates, you will soon travel home, and following right behind are your machines. You’re equipped and are expected to construct your roads, ensuring there are adequate drains and proper quality surfaces for vehicles to traverse—not just the ATVs like before.”

To ensure comprehensive project execution, each participating cluster is slated to receive a full complement of heavy equipment, including excavators, motor graders, skid steer loaders, compactors, and bulldozers.

Minister Edghill highlighted that these newly mastered skills command immense value in the contemporary economy given the soaring national demand for certified heavy-duty operators.

Encouraging the graduates to remain rooted in their communities, Minister Edghill added, “I want you to take what you have gotten here and use it to develop your village. The skill that you now have is a valuable one, but don’t desert your village and run off. Teach others in your village; let them learn and expand. It is these opportunities that make you, and when I come to your villages, I am expecting exceptional work. Many times it is you who produce better work suitable for your villages, so return home and excel as you work hand-in-hand to develop Guyana.”

Sharing similar sentiments, the Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited (MACORP) commended the participants for their dedication, noting that they had been hand-picked by their respective villages based on demonstrated competence.

Emphasising the tangible value of the accreditation, MaCorp reiterated Minister Edghill’s statement, “You were selected by your villages because of your competence and were given this opportunity. Having completed this training, you are now fully equipped to execute your works. This is not a mere piece of paper, but a testimony of your skills. And if the need arises, we will be ready to offer any assistance you need.”

This grassroots capacity-building effort seamlessly aligns with the broader national strategy spearheaded by the government to bridge historical divides between the coast and the hinterland through enhanced connectivity and infrastructural modernisation.

Across Regions Eight and Nine, massive capital investments are currently underway to transform transportation networks, link remote indigenous settlements, and facilitate unhindered trade and travel across the Pakaraima Mountains. By pairing multi-million-dollar community contracts with state-of-the-art machinery and professional certification, the Ministry of Public Works is ensuring that hinterland populations remain active architects of their own prosperity, laying a resilient foundation for equitable, nationwide development.

Arrangements for the rollout of the second batch of trainees are already well advanced.