AS part of the Government of Guyana’s ongoing efforts to engage with citizens and foster community development, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton visited the Rupununi community of Annai on Monday.
His visit focused on the Bina Hill Institute and its surrounding areas, as he met with community leaders and assessed the progress of key infrastructure projects.
Accompanied by his technical team and Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Richard Maughn, Minister Hamilton reviewed the $20 million infrastructural works being undertaken at the Bina Hill Institute.
These projects, which commenced in 2023, are aimed at creating a state-of-the-art technical and vocational training hub for the region.

The new facilities, including an Information Technology Laboratory, Welding and Fabrication Centre, Joinery Workshop, and Culinary Centre, are being developed in accordance with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) standards.
The Minister’s visit followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2022 between BIT, the Bina Hill Institute, and the North Rupununi Development Association. This partnership aims to enhance technical skills training and provide more job opportunities for residents of the region.
Empowering Local Talent for Community Growth

During his discussions with the North Rupununi District Development Board, Minister Hamilton highlighted the importance of engaging local leaders and artisans in training initiatives. He explored the possibility of recruiting skilled locals to fill teaching roles in programmes such as joinery, suggesting that a community-based approach could strengthen job creation efforts.

“So perhaps we can find a good joiner who can train young people to do furniture that are in consonance with the community,” Minister Hamilton proposed, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering self-sustainability through skills development.
He emphasised that all training programmes should have tangible outcomes that benefit the community, stating, “That’s the end product I want. Not just training for the sake of training, but training for an end product.”
Community Voices: Skills Training and Opportunities

The Minister’s visit also provided an opportunity for community members to share their perspectives on the impact of training programmes. Marlyn Browne, a resident who had previously received training, praised the BIT initiatives and noted how they have positively impacted her village. “From my village, I can see. It was not just me alone from my village. Those persons who are trained here are working really hard,” she said.
However, Browne also pointed out areas for further improvement, suggesting that additional training in labeling and packaging could help enhance the community’s output.
In response, Minister Hamilton reiterated the need for marketing skills alongside production capabilities, advising that successful entrepreneurs not only need to create quality products but also know how to effectively market them. “Because it’s one thing to make the thing, you know. You have to have the technique to market the product,” he advised.

Minister Hamilton’s visit concluded with a call for collaboration between local and national entities to ensure the efficient use of newly added resources at the Bina Hill Institute. He stressed the need for co-operative efforts to ensure the long-term functionality of the new training facilities.
“This building now has added resources. How do we, together, make it functional? And that is the reason I’m here,” the Minister said, highlighting the government’s commitment to creating sustainable growth through community engagement.
The visit to Bina Hill Institute serves as a strong reminder of the administration’s focus on empowering local communities through skill-building initiatives, infrastructure development, and direct engagement with residents. By addressing the specific needs of the people and fostering collaboration, the government aims to create long-term opportunities for communities across Guyana, improving both the local economy and quality of life.