This theme was emphasized yesterday by several speakers including Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, at an orientation workshop for the Guyana Volunteer Programme held at the St. Stanislaus College, Brickdam.

The programme involves more than 1, 000 volunteers and it is the first initiative in Guyana that comprises so many volunteers for a single event. It was developed under the auspices of President Bharrat Jagdeo and stemmed from an activity last year to enlist a maximum of 350 volunteers for CWC. More than 750 applications were received for that programme and Government embarked on the development of a special volunteer programme.

The volunteers will participate in various sectors preparing Guyana for hosting CWC and will be equipped to provide necessary assistance and information to foreign and local visitors.

Minister Anthony highlighted the important role that each volunteer will have to play as hosts and ensuring that visitors are impressed with what Guyana has to offer.

He noted that construction of the stadium, provision of adequate transportation and security are some aspects to prepare for CWC but, the attitude and image portrayed by Guyanese is another critical component.

The Minister further stated that Government has plans to continue the Guyana Volunteer Programme after CWC so that the services and talents of the volunteers can be utilised in other events. Some of the volunteers would be recruited to work during the hosting of the Rio Summit later this month.

Chief Executive Officer of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Karan Singh and Director of the Guyana Tourism Association (GTA) Indira Anandjit, implored the volunteers to prepare themselves for all the challenges associated with their duties and to overcome these obstacles.