sparks interest in returning to homeland

The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s Diaspora Unit, partnered with the private sector to host its second job fair in Nickerie, Suriname, over the weekend. The event drew a significant response from the local Guyanese community, marking it as a milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to engage the diaspora in Guyana’s economic growth.

Organized in collaboration with the Private Sector Commission, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, and regional chambers of commerce, the job fair attracted 120 delegates representing 30 businesses and agencies from sectors such as construction, hospitality, manufacturing, forestry, retail, insurance, farming, rice milling, and various services.

Government agencies, including the National Insurance Scheme and the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency were also present, addressing requests from the diaspora for information on government support.
Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, speaking at the RD Center in Nickerie, emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive policies that welcome all Guyanese into the nation’s development efforts. “This series of job fairs reflects President Irfaan Ali’s vision of a One Guyana, where every Guyanese, regardless of their background, has a place in shaping the country’s future,” said Persaud, noting that the response in Suriname surpassed the turnout at the inaugural job fair held in New York earlier this year.

Persaud also highlighted the robust economic growth underway in Guyana, driven by the booming oil and gas industry, alongside expanding traditional sectors and emerging industries. He encouraged attendees to consider returning to Guyana to contribute their skills and experience to the nation’s transformation. “We want you to be part of this exciting journey and this promising future that lies before us. This is not just about sharing our progress; it’s about building connections with the private sector and understanding the opportunities available,” he added.
Rafeek Khan, former President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, echoed Persaud’s sentiments, thanking private sector companies and the government for facilitating this initiative between Suriname and Guyana. Khan encouraged attendees to explore business and job opportunities in Guyana, emphasizing that Guyanese entrepreneurs have a unique role to play in promoting Guyanese products and services within Suriname and beyond.

The fair saw hundreds of Guyanese residents in Suriname engaging with the delegation, learning about job opportunities, and discussing ways to contribute to Guyana’s economic landscape. Nickerie is home to an estimated 60,000 Guyanese, with many expressing interests in re-establishing ties with their homeland. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has previously committed to informing the diaspora about job opportunities in Guyana, supporting those who wish to return to the workforce and address skills shortages across multiple sectors.
As the second event in this series, the job fair underscored the government’s commitment to empowering the diaspora with resources and opportunities to participate in Guyana’s growth, strengthening the nation through skills, investment and innovation.