(Region Seven– Cuyuni-Mazaruni– November 05, 2025) – The Ministry of Health has marked another significant milestone in strengthening Guyana’s primary healthcare system with the graduation of the third batch of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
A total of twenty-two (22) Community Health Workers completed the six-month training programme under the Health Sciences Division’s decentralised programme. The graduates represent several communities across the region, including Cashew Island, Upper Mazaruni, and Middle Mazaruni.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Bartica Centre Ground, was attended by the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, who was accompanied by the Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo. They joined residents, regional officials, and other stakeholders in celebrating this important achievement.
In his feature address, Minister Anthony underscored the significance of training individuals from within their own communities to ensure sustainable healthcare delivery.
“We decided to work with communities to identify and train local people who will return home to serve their own areas. This approach has proven far more effective,” Minister Anthony stated.
He noted that this initiative aligns with the Ministry’s broader goal of ensuring that every health facility across Guyana is staffed with at least one or two trained Community Health Workers. The Minister also encouraged the graduates to view this accomplishment as the beginning of a lifelong career in healthcare.
“Don’t see this as the end of the road,” he said. “We want to provide opportunities for you to advance, from Community Health Worker to Nursing Assistant, Registered Nurse, and even into specialised areas such as Midwifery and Medical Extension (Medex).”
Minister Anthony further highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to provide additional training opportunities through hybrid and online learning models, enabling health workers in remote areas to continue their professional development while serving their communities.
Newly appointed Community Health Worker, Raius Leonard, expressed pride and gratitude upon completing the programme.
“I feel very honoured to be graduating now that all the hard work has paid off,” Leonard said.
Another graduate, Lucia Kalika, reflected on the challenges faced during the training.
“It was challenging sometimes, like waking up early and crossing the river every day, but I am very proud of myself today,” she shared.
This initiative is part of the Ministry of Health’s continued commitment to improving primary healthcare delivery and ensuring that every community, no matter how remote, has access to quality health services.
Among those in attendance were Bartica Mayor Anthony Murray, Regional Health Officer Dr Edward Sagala, Senior Operations Manager Mr Michael Gouveia, and other regional officials.