Capacity – building training given to Victoria community leaders

Residents and members of the Victoria Community Development Council (CDC), benefitted from a capacity- building training workshop, at the Victoria Primary School, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Saturday.

It was revealed that the activity was facilitated by the Central Housing and Planning Authority’s Community Development Department (CDD). It was noted that the community leaders were exposed to communication and negotiating skills, balancing service and advocacy, community togetherness, security awareness and housing codes.

Junior Housing and Water Minister, Susan Rodrigues, in addressing the participants, pointed out government’s policy regarding community collaboration and engagement, as well as the importance of empowering community leaders to be more effective in the execution of their duties.

Rodrigues said that while the administration is keen on ensuring that all its programmes, and policies reach every community, community partnership is important to ensure that this is realised.

The minister has therefore, encouraged the community leaders to familiarise themselves with the projects and initiatives that are available to them at the community level, as well as for individuals.  This, Rodrigues said can help to resolve some of the issues, and conflicts that often arise during community engagements.

“It is important for us to come here to build your capacity…everyday people approach you; people have questions and they want to understand how things are being done, and you must have that information for them because we can’t be everywhere, every day,” she stressed.

Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Enrique Monize was also in attendance and provided insight into the issue of land management and how persons can regularise lands or apply for state-owned land.

Meanwhile, Director of Community Development at CHPA, Gladwin Charles; Deputy Director, Donell Bess-Bascom and Chairperson of the Haslington/Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Carlotta DeJesus were also present.

It was revealed that the training workshop comes after the Community Development Council approached the Ministry for assistance in training, and to be registered under the Community-based Employment Stimulation Project (CESP) which seeks to create jobs for persons in vulnerable communities.

The ministry added that prior to the event, the minister conducted a walk-about, and engaged with some residents of the community.