Two young women have been assigned two mini excavators handed over to the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agriculture Development Authority (MMA/ADA).
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha handed over the machines valued at $47M to the agency on Saturday.
Over the past four years Government through the Agriculture Ministry has given seven excavators to the MMA for work in the cultivation area.
“That is why we are able to have all of the canals clean now and we have repaired thousands of rods of dams, cleared new areas for farmers and MMA is responsible for the entire drainage system in Region Five, unlike other regions where it falls under the jurisdiction of the RDC [Regional Democratic Council].”
The mini excavators, which were acquired under the Flood Risk Management Pogramme will be used for work in residential areas.
According to the agriculture minister, there is a need to have drains in residential areas cleaned. He pointed out that the excavators which should commence working immediately should stick to a work programme.
Danita Chattergoon
“This will not only work a few hours, it will work throughout the day and will work continuously. We want them to work seven days a week because there are a number of flood-prone communities in Region Five where the internal drains need desilting.”
Mustapha noted that the operators will be young females trained under the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).
“They will start operating this as from Monday. Ladies are very particular when they are doing work. This is an example for other areas to follow.”
The two operators are 22-year-old Divia Ragabier and Danita Chattergoon 27.
According to Ragabier, she has only complemented the first half of the six-month heavy-duty machinery course. Nevertheless, he has an opportunity to be independent.
Divia Ragabier
According to the young lady, she was inspired by her grandfather who was and her father who are heavy-duty machine operators.
“I always wanted to become just like my father,” she said.
Meanwhile, Chattergoon who had been working with the MMA joined the BIT programme to be qualified as a heavy-duty machine operator. She said the opportunity given to her allows her to encourage females to take up positions that are available despite it being a male-dominated field.
“I want to show them that once you make that first step, nothing is beyond you. I am happy that I was actually given this opportunity. Together we can do great things and having this opportunity to be able to do that is quite amazing for me.”
She says females should not limit themselves based on how others view them.
“Think of what you want to do, think of where you want to be and fight for it and it will be within your grasp,” Chattergoon advised.
Meanwhile, BIT is responsible for overseeing vocational and technical education and training in the country. Its primary objective is to enhance the skills of the workforce to meet the demands of various industries. The BIT works in collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sectors, and educational institutions, to develop training programs that align with national development goals.
BIT focuses on providing practical training and apprenticeship opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and services. It aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills to improve their employability and contribute effectively to the economy.
Additionally, BIT may also engage in initiatives that promote lifelong learning and skills upgrading for workers.
The MMA/ADA is a semi-autonomous agency under the Agriculture Ministry. (G4)
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