Hon. Joseph Hamilton, Minister of Labour, has committed to establishing a collaboration between Guyana and Jamaica to improve the delivery of technical and vocational training opportunities in both nations. As a result, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be created to describe the goals of both countries.
On Thursday, January 26, 2023, the minister spoke at the Jamaican Trade Mission’s breakfast engagement at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.
He was accompanied by Mr. Bishram Kuppen, Permanent Secretary, Board of Industrial Training, Acting Chief Executive Officer/Secretary, Ms. Saskia Eastman-Onwuzirike, Occupational Safety and Health Consultant, Ms. Gweneth King, and other officials.
During a breakfast engagement with sixty (60) Jamaican businesspeople led by Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister Hamilton discussed the training institution’s progress since taking office in August 2020, totaling over 7,000 citizens qualified.
This includes expanded training for women in male-dominated sectors, apprenticeship possibilities, and increased employment rates since certification.He also spoke briefly about the necessity of Occupational Safety and Health procedures in the workplace, as well as protecting workers’ rights under Guyana’s labor laws.
Senator Hill informed the minister of his country’s alarmingly high unemployment rate and its consequences.
He expressed hope that this situation can be improved by a constructive and meaningful cooperation with Guyana to assist the delivery of technical and vocational education and training. Noting that it is critical that the Jamaican government equip its population with the required skills to find work and contribute to the country’s development.
The trade mission will be in Guyana until January 28, 2023.
PC|MOL
