By Alister Charlie- In the early hours of Sunday, October 1, 2023, the spotlight shone brightly on Miss Noreen Alfred, a 21-year-old resident of St. Ignatius Village in Region Nine. She emerged triumphant, securing the coveted title of Miss Region 9 Amerindian Heritage 2023 amidst fierce competition, with a field of nine talented contestants.
Noreen’s platform, “EMPOWERMENT OF INDIGENOUS YOUTHS,” embodies her commitment to uplifting the younger generation of indigenous individuals. Her journey to this prestigious title is a testament to her dedication and passion for making a difference in her community. From her earliest years in Nursery, Noreen displayed a steadfast commitment to academic excellence.
This thirst for knowledge propelled her through Primary and Secondary school, setting her apart as a determined and diligent student. Her exceptional dedication to learning earned her the esteemed hinterland scholarship under the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, a recognition of her potential. With this scholarship, she embarked on the challenging path of the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), where she not only excelled but also gained invaluable insights that would shape her future.
Following her completion of CAPE, Noreen returned to her region and serendipity led her to secure a position as a Customer Sales Representative at the Lethem Power Company Incorporated. In this role, she honed her communication and customer service skills, ensuring utmost satisfaction among the company’s clientele. Presently, Noreen stands as a proud recipient of the GOAL scholarship program, a generous offering by the Government of Guyana.
This scholarship has provided her with the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and Project Management, a field perfectly aligned with her innate passion for problem-solving and project development.
Her pursuit of higher education isn’t just a personal achievement; it represents a significant stride toward fulfilling her career aspirations and her broader goal of contributing to her community’s development. But Noreen’s commitment extends beyond the classroom. She actively engages with various voluntary organizations, notably the Civil Defense Commission and the Guyana Red Cross Society, where her dedication shines through her involvement in community initiatives and disaster relief efforts.
Noreen’s contributions have made a tangible difference, embodying the spirit of service. Moreover, Noreen’s quest for knowledge has driven her to acquire certifications in areas such as Basic Solar PV Training, Information Technology, and Building Construction through programs offered by the Board of Industrial Training. These certificates reflect her unyielding commitment to continuous learning and her commendable desire to excel in diverse technical disciplines.
Noreen Alfred’s remarkable journey is an inspiring narrative of resilience, dedication, and a profound passion to make a positive impact. Her blend of academic excellence, professional acumen, and unwavering commitment to community service paints a portrait of a young individual with a bright and promising future. Noreen is poised to leave an indelible mark not only on her region but on her entire country, embodying the spirit of empowerment and service to her fellow indigenous youths
