–targets skillset of Guyanese Diaspora

AFTER the successful hosting of its inaugural job fair in New York in July, the Government of Guyana is set to hold its second diasporan job fair in Suriname on Saturday, November 2.
This event will take place in Nickerie, a region where a significant portion of the Guyanese Diaspora has established their homes over the years.

The upcoming job fair represents a collaborative effort between the Government of Guyana and the private sector, aiming to connect companies with skilled individuals from the diaspora to fill critical labour shortages in Guyana.
Notably, businesses from the Berbice region will play a key role in this initiative. In addition to job opportunities, various government ministries will showcase transformative projects that are currently underway, illustrating how returning citizens can engage with new public sector opportunities. For instance, the construction of six new hospitals will create numerous job openings requiring diverse skillsets.

To address inquiries and provide assistance, several supporting agencies will be present at the event. These include the Central Immigration and Passport Office, General Registrar Office, Board of Industrial Training, and National Insurance Scheme, all of which will offer services and information to attendees.

Foreign Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Robert Persaud emphasised the significance of this job fair.
He said: “This second job fair represents a pivotal moment for our nation as we seek to harness the skills and expertise of our diaspora community. It is very clear to all that Guyana’s unprecedented growth is posing a massive challenge to fill the labour gaps as quickly as they are being created.”
Persaud encouraged members of the diaspora to understand the ongoing developments in Guyana, and consider returning to seize emerging opportunities.

The job fair is designed not only to showcase career prospects across various industries, but also to serve as a vital networking platform for returning Guyanese.
This initiative aligns with commitments made by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during recent discussions with members of the diaspora.

Attendees could expect direct interactions with representatives from leading companies, government agencies, and non-profit organisations, all providing a range of employment opportunities and insights into the remigration process.
In addition to employment opportunities, informative sessions will cover investment prospects, housing options, and educational resources available for returning citizens.

Over 20 companies from multiple sectors, along with seven ministries and agencies, and four chambers of commerce are expected to participate.
For those interested in attending the Diaspora Job Fair, Guyanese residing in Suriname are encouraged to reach out to the Guyana Embassy in Paramaribo or the Guyana Consulate in Nickerie for more information. The event is open to the public from 12:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs.