26 Peace Corps Volunteers are now working here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, following a special swearing in ceremony of thirteen newcomers on Monday at Government House.{{more}}

The members of the 78th batch to be assigned to this country, surrounded by their home stay families, trainers, local staff and 13 other volunteers, were sworn in by Marjorie Jeanchild, the Eastern Caribbean Peace Corps Country Director.

Prior to the swearing in, Jeanchild urged the newcomers to remain focused on their work, be the best that they could be, and continually make adjustments that would enable them to fit in comfortably in their new roles.

She called on the volunteers to do their best, in an effort to improve the lives of Vincentians.

Addressing the volunteers, Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne welcomed the volunteers to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, expressing appreciation for the invaluable assistance given by the Peace Corps here.

He said that the character exhibited by volunteers and the significant contribution made by them are immeasurable.

Associate Director of the local Peace Corps Cuthbert James said that although the volunteers have been focused on youth and community development over the years, the new volunteers will be paying particular attention to remedial reading, literacy and numeracy in primary and secondary schools.

Pooled from various professional backgrounds, including Teaching, Graphic Design, Information and Technology, Medical and Financial Research, the volunteers will be living and working in various communities around the country.

The Peace Corps Program was authorized in 1961 by United States President John F Kennedy, with over one hundred volunteers having been assigned to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and close to 200,000 worldwide.(JJ)