Several young leaders from the community of Victoria on the East Coast of Demerara, are now beneficiaries of a Capacity Building Training.

The training was executed by the Community Development Department of the Ministry of Housing and Water- Central Housing and Planning Authority at the Victoria Primary School on Saturday.

Hon. Susan Rodrigues, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, during her engagement with participants, highlighted that grassroot leaders are crucial to the socio-economic development of communities, as they create a link between Government and the people.

In this regard she noted that Guyana is on the path to rapid development and the Government is committed to working with all communities, to ensure that all Guyanese benefit.

“It is important for us to come here to build your capacity and to empower our young people,” Minister Rodrigues stated.

“This country cannot progress as long as we are separated [or] if we are divided,” Minister Rodrigues added, as she urged the participants to promote unity in their community.

The seminar comes after the Victoria Community Development Council (CDC) approached the Ministry for assistance in training.

The youths were trained in the areas of Developing Effective Communication and Conflict Management Skills; Developing Negotiation Skills; and Building Partnership and Community togetherness. Training on Housing Codes will also be facilitated at a later date.

Following this initiative, the trainees will be used as point persons for the Government to collaborate with and streamline programmes and policies for the community’s development.

Also at the training were Director of Community Development at CHPA, Mr. Gladwin Charles; Deputy Director, Mrs. Donell Bess-Bascom; Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) Mr. Enrique Monize, Chairperson of the Haslington/Grove Neighborhood Democratic Council, Mrs. Carlotta DeJesus and members of the Victoria CDC.