The Guyanese government is gearing up to host a job fair in New York aimed at attracting members of the Diaspora to return to Guyana and help fill the growing skills gap spurred by the country’s economic expansion.
Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud announced this initiative as part of the government’s proactive approach to meet the demands of its labor sector.
Persaud highlighted that Guyana is estimated to have a significant skills gap of 100,000 persons, necessitating strategic initiatives to recruit skilled individuals from abroad.
The job fair in New York, scheduled to commence soon, will target both Guyanese nationals living in the United States and their descendants, showcasing the available opportunities and the specific skills needed in Guyana.
Acknowledging the substantial number of Guyanese residing in North America, estimated at over 500,000, Persaud emphasized the government’s interest in not only attracting Diaspora members but also retaining skilled individuals within the country.
He cited recent policies such as the removal of fees for University of Guyana loans as incentives aimed at encouraging skilled Guyanese to remain in the country.
Moreover, Persaud noted that Guyana has witnessed an influx of migrants from neighboring countries like Venezuela, Suriname, and other Caribbean nations, spanning various skill levels.
Efforts are underway through the Board of Industrial Training to provide training and certification programs to equip these migrants with the necessary skills for employment.
The upcoming job fair represents a pivotal opportunity for the government to bridge the skills gap effectively while fostering national development through the contributions of the Diaspora and skilled individuals returning to Guyana.