FURTHER strengthening the growing bilateral relationship between Guyana and the Dominican Republic, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), through the Ministry of Labour, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Technical and Vocational Training (INFOTEP) of the Dominican Republic.

The signing ceremony took place at the Board of Industrial Training in Unity Mahaica on Friday. In his feature address, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton highlighted the robust bilateral relationship that Guyana has developed with the Dominican Republic over the past four years. This bond has increased awareness and co-operation between the two Caribbean nations.

During his visit to the Dominican Republic last year, Minister Hamilton observed the innovative and creative approaches used in their Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes. He expressed his desire to introduce similar methods in Guyana to diversify and enhance the quality of skills training programmes, such as welding. Minister Hamilton emphasised that by making TVET as prominent as academic learning, youths can acquire unique and diverse skills, better equipping them for the workforce.
Minister Hamilton stressed the importance of incorporating innovation and modern technologies in training programs to produce quality products. “Together we can ensure that in training children and others, we are thinking about innovation and creativity,” he stated.
BIT’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard Maughn, described the partnership as a significant step in advancing technical and vocational education and training in both countries. BIT remains committed to providing competency-based training to meet Guyana’s growing workforce needs, ensuring citizens have equal opportunities for employment and social advancement.

INFOTEP shares BIT’s commitment to improving human resources and productivity. The collaboration aims to focus on skills development, promote career guidance, support employment mobility, and create digital training solutions.
Deputy Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ritesh Tularam, emphasised the importance of the MoU for the Ministry of Education. He highlighted that the evolving landscape of Guyana requires critical skills development to advance the nation. The MoU will foster stronger networking, collaboration, and partnerships, facilitating the sharing of best practices, new methodologies, and advancements in curriculum design and development.

Dr. Tularam also underscored the ministry’s goal to ensure that every child entering secondary or post-secondary institutions has access to quality, equitable, and relevant technical education. This MoU marks a purposeful and significant step towards achieving this goal, reflecting Guyana’s commitment to skills training and workforce development.