Latest update January 3rd, 2025 1:39 AM
29 Peace Corps officers join the ranks of American volunteers
The installation of 29 Peace Corps officers who would avail their services in the field of Health and Education for the next two years, was held at the Imam Bacchus and Sons ground, at Affiance, Essequibo Coast.
Officials and the Peace Corps officers.
The event attracted United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway; ‘Minister of Health, Dr. George Norton, Peace Corps officers and representatives from the United States Embassy in Georgetown. Representatives of the Region Two Democratic Council also were in attendance.
The new batch of Peace Corps officers will be sent to Regions One, Two, Three, Five, Six, Nine and Ten.
The United States of America have a vested interest in voluntarism, Holloway emphasized. As such, the United States of America has a strong interest in working in close partnership with Guyana to help support National efforts and help to eliminate varying challenges.
“The United States government is working hard to forge a closer and more productive partnership with the government of Guyana and the people of Guyana to help build a more prosperous, secured, democratic and healthy Guyana.”
Holloway noted that the first batch of American Peace Corps came to Guyana in 1966, the year when Guyana gained her independence. More than 800 volunteers have served to date.
Holloway went on to charge the new volunteers to be ambassadors for their nation and to represent with distinction.
Minister of Health, Dr. George Norton noted that the peace corps volunteers contributions to the health and education sectors plays an enormous part in developing a cohesive society, in especially impacting the lives of people and also to take advantage of the opportunity to serve at the best of their ability, while striving to leave a mark.
Norton said that there is much to be done to improve health care and as such, officers in the health system will work along with the volunteers to strengthen that sector.
Ms. Linda Arbogast, Director of Guyana Peace Corps, described the installed Peace Corps officers as the best representatives from the United States coming from 23 States. The Peace Corps officers underwent ten weeks of training.
“It’s bitter sweet for many trainers.”
Arbogast reminded the newly installed Peace Corps officers that their two years stint of working in varying communities across Guyana is another opportunity where they would learn and grow and more, how they would address their challenges.
“It’s all up to you; you will have great days and you will have days when you feel like a failure.”
Abrogast told volunteers that it is a happy time to be in Guyana since Guyana is experiencing political change after 23 years.
Abrogast also noted the change in local government elections which was observed in Guyana after 22 years.
(Yannason Duncan)
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