IN July 2024, a Diaspora Job Fair, an initiative of the Government of Guyana in collaboration with the Private Sector Commission (PSC), was held at the New York La Guardia Marriott Hotel.
The event saw the attendance of a wide cross-section of people, including high-level officials from Guyana, diplomats, and well-known businessmen and women from both Guyana and the Diaspora. The event targeted Guyanese in the Diaspora and presented a unique opportunity for skilled Guyanese abroad to explore career prospects in Guyana and actively contribute to the nation’s ongoing development initiatives.

The Diaspora Job Fair featured participation from key private sector leaders and stakeholders, offering attendees insights into the diverse opportunities available across various sectors within Guyana.

Participants’ expectancy to meet industry leaders was realised at this event, and they also had a chance to explore job opportunities by interacting with prominent figures from key industries in Guyana.

Electrical Engineer/Contractor, part-owner of Electric Guyana Inc., Keon Howard, was one of the attendees at this event where he had the opportunity to showcase his business with the Diaspora and acknowledged the need for networking via such events.

Relishing in the experience of the event, Howard added that the Diaspora Job Fair also allowed him to explore job opportunities by discovering a wide range of exciting career openings.

He stated that he learned a lot about other companies and gained insights into small, medium, and large enterprises operating abroad.

Howard noted that the event allowed him to understand the remigration process, where he received information on returning home to Guyana to invest.

He reported that invitees at the Diaspora Job Fair in New York saw the event as the ideal place to learn how their skills can contribute to Guyana’s rapidly expanding economy.

“The Job Fair underscores Guyana’s commitment to harnessing the talents and expertise of our diaspora community. By deploying their skills and experience, they can play a pivotal role in the country’s development and economic growth,” he said.

Guyanese living abroad, especially in New York and surrounding states, showed up in their numbers to explore the abundant opportunities available in our vibrant Guyana.

Howards’ Electrical venture locally
On the technical side of things is Keon Howard, the brain behind Guyana Electric Inc., an electrical consultancy and installations, residential, commercial, industrial and maintenance company.

After Keon and his wife, Michelle, moved back home, Keon launched Guyana Electric Inc. in 2018. It is an electrical contracting firm responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems.

The local company has been making strides in terms of securing small contracts to outfit buildings with all electrical works, and one such contract was the newly opened Aiden Hotel in the city, a massive, one-of-a-kind building that boasts intricate designs and high-end furnishings.

Howard told the Pepperpot Magazine that Guyana Electric Inc. was accepted into the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Notably, the company is the first Guyanese entity to gain membership with the organisation.

“The organisation sets the standard for traditional and integrated electrical systems, leads the industry in the practical application of new technologies, serves as the voice for electrical construction by empowering contractors to be innovative, safe and responsible when executing works throughout the US, as well as the Caribbean,” Howard added.

Further, Howard said that while the membership recognises Guyana Electric Inc.’s contributions to the industry, it also gives the company an advantage when bidding for international projects when compared to other businesses in the industry.