— focus being placed on strengthening human resources, says Min. Greenidge

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs is engaging other Government agencies in working towards strengthening its human resources capacity in the area of foreign trade.
This was noted by Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge on Thursday as the 2018 budget estimates for the Ministry was scrutinised in the National Assembly.
Prior to the Ministry’s total budgetary allocation of $5.577B for Current ($5B) and Capital ($487M) spending in 2018 being approved , Greenidge told the National Assembly that training is an area of focus of the ministry.

As he was grilled by Opposition Member of Parliament, Gail Teixeira on issues relevant to the Ministry, Greenidge said there is dialogue between the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Public Service Commission on boosting the human capacity skills needed in the area of foreign trade.

He said the Ministry has recognised the need for experienced persons, qualified in the area of foreign trade to carry out the mandate of the ministry.
As the estimates were scrutinised, Greenidge updated the National Assembly on the construction of the Foreign Service Institute (FSI),formerly Ramphal House at Shiv Chandarpaul Drive in the City.

He informed parliamentarians that monies budgeted for the project are for further works to the works currently underway at the three-storied structure.
The building is being built by Courtney Benn Construction firm and according to the foreign affairs minister, it is expected to be completed before the end of 2018.
Meanwhile, the foreign affairs minister informed the House that the sum earmarked for the construction of the Guyana Embassy in Brazil will go towards works being undertaken on the project.

The embassy is being built over a three-year period and will include three structures to house the Ambassador’s residence, the Chancellery and accommodation for staff.