New group of Peace Corps Volunteers to Serve in Guyana
On Thursday July 24, 2008, Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Karen L. Williams swore in a new group of Peace Corps Volunteers at the Urbyan Oasis Hotel, Queenstown, Essequibo Coast.
Having completed an eight-week training program, the 34 volunteers were assigned within the Health, Education and Information Technology sectors. They have been posted in eight of the country’s ten administrative regions, and each has agreed to serve a two-year tour. This brings to 55 the number of Peace Corps volunteers serving throughout Guyana.
Former President John F. Kennedy created the Peace Corps in March 1961 to provide human resource and technical assistance to developing countries. During the Peace Corps’ initial stay in Guyana from 1966 to 1971, more than 160 Volunteers served here. Since Peace Corps’ return in 1995 at the invitation of the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan, an additional 300 volunteers have served the people of Guyana.
While in the area, Chargé Williams also donated a set of classic American children's books to the Anna Regina Branch library in Essequibo.
