New land surveyors encouraged to see themselves as pioneers – four graduate

The work of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) will be boosted as four new land surveyors took the oath, before Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Robert Persaud who encouraged them to see themselves as development pioneers for Guyana.
The surveyors who endured a rigorous one-year training session came out successful out of the batch of 17 who took the examination from September 10-13, 2012.
Speaking on the importance of the profession, they were reminded by the Natural Resources Minister to make a meaningful contribution, as the scope for development under which the profession falls continue to expand.
Thus far, 560 trained surveyors have been produced by the GLSC. However, the unavailability of surveyors remains a major constraint within the natural resources sector, according to Minister Persaud.
“Your graduation today also underlines the importance of the profession and the role you can play.  Our country, given the natural wealth that we have, and the work ahead of realising our full potential, will require skills such as yours,” he said.
Pointing to the fact that investment is crucial, Minister Persaud spoke of the recent collaborative venture between the Guyana Government and the European Union (EU), which will see modernisation of the Commission. The EU investment of €3M is supplemented by Government’s Gy$75M.
“The basic tools are important, but technology has advanced and we want the commission and the people as well to have access and to deliver a better service…we will continue to invest in the Commission to look at ways in which staff welfare can also be improved,” he said.
There are at present, 12 surveyors at the GLSC and recognising the constraints such limitation poses, the Commission through a collaborative effort with the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry will be reaching out to schools countrywide, targeting youths who desire to be trained in such field.
Commissioner, GLSC, Doorga Persaud during his brief remarks, spoke of the objective of the programme which is aimed at providing professionals with the necessary skills to function effectively as surveyors.
The Lands Surveys Examination is statutorily provided for under the Lands Surveys Act, Chapter 97;01.
“Thus far, we have been able to sustain professional land surveyors in Guyana who function in both the public and private sectors…I am very pleased with the results and therefore congratulate you all on your success,” he said.
Minister Persaud encouraged the graduates to adopt sound principles and to carry out their duties faithfully, in accordance with the oath taken.
Meanwhile, Valedictorian Stephen Liu, while lauding the trainers and members of the GLSC for their contributions over the last year, pointed to the fact that success did not come easily and encouraged the others to work together with the aim of achieving one common goal. The graduates are;- Stephen Liu, Winart Nelson, Sampson Perreira and Darrell Fraser.