The Ministry of Labour in Guyana has successfully addressed labour shortages in 2023 through strategic initiatives, including capital programs, policy development, and administration.
Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton announced that 91 percent of the allocated budget for this purpose has been utilized.
The 2023 budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Labour amounted to $451,388,753.
A significant portion of the expenditure, 79 percent, was directed towards capital programs, with a focus on the construction and renovation of facilities.
Minister Hamilton outlined that the remaining capital programs are anticipated to be completed by the first quarter of the following year.
Specifically, the capital projects include the construction of two training buildings in Berbice, the repair of a building in Region 4 Unity worth $40 million, the upgrading of the facility in Bartica with the addition of a welding and fabrication workshop, and the extension of the facility with joinery.
Additionally, a training facility in Lethem, Region Nine, is undergoing refurbishment, and the Bina Hill Institute is being outfitted to execute four programs.
Minister Hamilton assured that these projects are on track for completion, with some construction jobs expected to conclude by January or February of the coming year.
Based on a 2021 report from the International Office for Migration (IOM), Guyana requires a minimum of 100,000 skilled personnel for its medium-term development.
The Board of Industrial Training has played a crucial role in addressing this need, benefiting over 11,000 individuals across Guyana through various training programs. Notably, almost 7,000 of these beneficiaries are women.
This proactive approach by the Ministry of Labour reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s workforce, meeting the demand for skilled personnel, and contributing to the overall development of Guyana.