Fifty-nine women graduated from a solar energy training programme conducted under the Guyana Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic (GUYSOL) initiative at a ceremony held at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown on Saturday last.
According to the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), the programme forms part of efforts to increase women’s participation in Guyana’s expanding renewable energy sector and equip them with technical skills in solar energy systems.
The graduation ceremony was attended by participants, development partners, stakeholders and representatives of the energy sector.
Acting Country Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group in Guyana, Iván-Alonzo Gaviria, said the institution’s role was to ensure that projects funded jointly with the government delivered positive outcomes for citizens.
“My job is to make sure that whatever it is that the bank and the government decides to fund together, or in this particular case be the stewards of these resources that are not ours, is to make sure that the people are impacted in a positive way,” Gaviria said.
GPL Divisional Director of Transmission and Distribution Shaun Hamlet, who delivered the feature address, commended the graduates for completing the programme and encouraged greater female participation in technical and engineering fields.
Reflecting on her own career, Hamlet noted that women remain underrepresented in many technical professions.
“It is a celebration of your determination, courage and the possibilities ahead. We are here to celebrate a group of women who chose to challenge themselves, learn new skills and join an industry that is shaping Guyana’s future,” she said.
Programme Coordinator Amir Dillawar, according to the statement, presented a report on the initiative, while Dr Wayne Archibald of Green Solutions International, the firm that facilitated the training, also delivered remarks.
GPL expressed appreciation to the IDB, Green Solutions International and other stakeholders for their support of the initiative and congratulated the graduates on completing the training programme.
The utility said it remains committed to promoting greater participation, empowerment and leadership of women in the energy sector as Guyana continues to expand its renewable energy capacity.
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