Guyana's Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, says the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has proven its worth in that country through its operations, especially the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) particularly as it relates to targeting the most vulnerable communities and addressing the most critical needs. Dr. Singh, Guyana's representative on CDB's Board of Governors, was speaking at the opening of a training workshop to launch the seventh cycle of the BNTF programme in Georgetown on Thursday, June 27, 2013. He highlighted as one example the work that the Bank has done through its interventions in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). "CDB has made a very significant contribution in expanding infrastructure for technical vocational training in increasing our capacity for training, and in delivering training and training programmes to the young people of Guyana," Mr. Singh said. The Finance Minister said these interventions help the government to carry out a very important aspect of its development plans. "On the one hand, the private sector has a huge demand for skilled workers, and on the other hand there are young people who you want to prepare for the world of work and matching those two is a responsibility that we take very seriously in government. This need to bring the two together has been met by a number of programs implemented by CDB including the TVET programmes," Mr. Singh said. Meanwhile, CDB President, Dr. Warren Smith, speaking at the BNTF launch, said Guyana showcases, in a very graphic and successful manner, what CDB's franchise value means. Dr. Smith said the most satisfying aspect of the successful CDB/Guyana relationship is the partnership in BNTF, the Bank's flagship programme for direct poverty reduction. "We describe it in this manner because it positively impacts people's lives in very direct and practical ways. Today's Launch marks the beginning of yet another assault on the scourge of poverty as the CDB, the Government of Guyana and the humble people of this country join hands to push back against the economic and social conditions which have, for too long, deprived them of a decent standard of living," Dr. Smith said. CAPTION: CDB President Dr. Warren Smith said Guyana showcases, in a very graphic and successful manner, what CDB's franchise value means.