KINGSTON - Less than two weeks after being sworn in as Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Hon. Annette Ferguson ‘kick-started’ a familiarization assessment of ongoing projects in Region Six.
On June 5, 2015, Ms. Ferguson, one of the youngest Ministers within the new Government, visited Bushlot, Corentyne where she was able to gauge the recently completed sea defence work in the area. The Minister also toured the Canawaima Management Company, which operates the ferry service between Guyana and Suriname.
“I am a firm believer in being on the ground to get a better understanding of what is happening. I have taken an oath to be a Minister for the people which I intend to fulfill 110 percent,” Hon. Ferguson stated.
Her visit to the Canawaima- Moleson Creek Terminal- gave her an opportunity to evaluate management’s operations of the ferry service which operates twice daily from Moleson Creek, Corentyne to Nickerie, Suriname.
Canawaima has reportedly recorded a steady increase in passengers over the past three years and based on the company’s 2014 statistics, approximately 132,625 passengers used the ferry service during that year. Minister Ferguson stated that the increase in passenger flow augurs well for the country’s economy, and as a growing hub, several initiatives, including food and craft concessions, are being considered for the terminal building.
“The management is amenable to such avenues which we will explore in depth,” Hon. Ferguson divulged.
Apart from Canawaima, the Minister’s portfolio includes overseeing: Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD); Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB); Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA); Guyana Post Office Corporation; Public Utilities Commission and Hinterland Electrification Company Inc.
Despite a youthful appearance, Hon. Ferguson has a wealth of experience and qualifications in Management.
Prior to her Ministerial appointment, she worked assiduously as a Field Support Officer, USAID (Admin), as was instrumental in strengthening Non-Governmental organizations (NGOs) and Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) in resources policies and practices.
She was involved, for many years, advocating social issues, with specific focus on life counseling, HIV/AIDS support, adolescence guidance and counseling and domestic disputes. She also collaborated and facilitated coordination with NGOs, FBOs and Community Based organizations with a bias for social issues, inclusive of children, education, health and family.
Further, during her tenure as the Properties Manager of the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) – 2004 to 2008 - Ms. Ferguson, among her many duties managed and advised Management in relation to the Corporation’s real properties, managed projects undertaken by the Corporation, evaluated, awarded and supervised contracts, designed job specifications for contractors, prepared monthly reports for Management and prepared the Corporation’s yearly budget and Bills of Quantities.
As such, Ms. Ferguson has acquired a unique set of skills which includes Strategic Planning, Proposal and Report writing, Project Management and Events Co-ordination.
She is currently pursuing a Law Degree at the University of London, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (Credit) and a B. Sc in Public Management from the University of Guyana.
Other academic accomplishments include: Diplomas from the University of Guyana in Social Work, Public Management and Postgraduate Diploma in Administration (ed.); Certificate in Project Management from UG/Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) and a Certificate in Conflict Resolution, UG/Clark Atlanta University.
