BIT issues invitation to Region 6 local organs, training centres to get citizens involved

A number of representatives attached to local organs, the business community and training centres in East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six) were encouraged to partner with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) in its effort to build a skilled workforce there.

Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton, made the call during a skills training consultation held at the Albion Community Centre, on Tuesday. Hamilton noted that the consultation sessions with relevant stakeholders can help to identify the professions in which the region is lacking, to be filled to soon benefit from job opportunities.

“I am giving you the stark reality of our situation as a country unprepared so on one side, we are unprepared, but on the other side, we complain every day about expatriates coming into the sector and doing better and working for more money,” the minister said.  He continued, “it is the reason why you need to help me resolve the matter that we have and so that is why we must have this conversation to ensure our people benefit.”

Minister Hamilton stressed that the programmes being offered by BIT not only seek to create a skilled workforce for the country, but give persons a second chance for a brighter future. “We are willing to cooperate with any entity, private individual to ensure that in Region Six, whether it is six months or a year from now, we can be in a better position to have your people employed at these shore bases in the Berbice areas,” he explained.

BIT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Richard Maughn, was also present at the exercise, where he shared similar sentiments. “We are hoping to hear from you, very clearly what are the needs that you have when it comes to manpower, and the labour that you need to improve productivity in your line of business,” Maughn noted.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman David Armogan, pointed out that the region’s development is affected by the scarcity of skilled individuals, and hopes for full cooperation from all attendees. “We have to be able to train more persons to deal with the mirage of businesses opening up not only in this region, but across Guyana. There are many exciting things set to happen in this region, so it is our responsibility to help fill this gap,” Armogan said.

President, Irfaan Ali earlier this year, announced that the Port Mourant Training Centre will be transformed into a national training centre to train young people for the oil and gas and hospitality sectors. Ali revealed that $160M was earmarked to be used for the first phase of the project.