-Minister Hamilton says gov’t committed to providing equitable opportunities to all Guyanese

SEVERAL sectors including tourism and agro-processing will be given a big boost this year as the Ministry of Labour through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) has launched its newest set of programmes in Region Nine.

On Tuesday, the ministry officially launched its 2025 training programmes in Shulinab and Potarinau, marking a significant step toward skill development and economic empowerment in the hinterland.

Speaking at the launch event in Shulinab, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton emphasised the government’s commitment to providing equitable opportunities for all Guyanese, particularly those living inland and in riverine communities.

“What we do for you, that is government. It’s not a favour we are doing for you; it is what we have to do for you,” Minister Hamilton stated, later underscoring that the funding for these programmes comes from taxpayers’ contributions.

He dismissed the notion that such initiatives are mere handouts and encouraged participants to take full advantage of the opportunities provided.

The 2025 BIT training programme will feature courses in small engine repair, welding and fabrication, hospitality and tourism, and agri-food processing. The programmes are designed to not only equip participants with valuable skills but also contribute to the development of their communities.

“For effective execution, we establish offices in the district,” Minister Hamilton explained, noting that a training centre in Lethem will soon be fully outfitted with the necessary tools for various programmes.

He highlighted the commendable trend of trainees having returned as trainers, demonstrating the impact of these programmes on employment and self-sufficiency.

The training is completely free of cost, with participants in the small engine repair programme receiving personal toolkits upon completion.

Minister Hamilton also stressed the importance of training in sectors such as agro-processing and tourism, which are vital to the economic growth of Region Nine.

“You cannot discuss food security and we don’t have people trained in agro-processing,” he said before noting that. “Every village in the Rupununi should have people trained in that field.” Similarly, he noted that proper hospitality training is essential for the tourism sector, as visitors remember the quality of service they receive.

Meanwhile, Technical Officer for South and Central Rupununi BIT, Indira Singh, echoed similar sentiments, announcing an expansion in the number of training programmes and participants.

“Over the past few years, we would have had two programmes per batch. And it is with pleasure I announce to you that we are going to do five programmes. It was supposed to be six, but it’s now five.” Singh explained, adding that Potarinau will see a 50 per cent increase in trainees. While Shulinab will host four programmes, Potarinau will have one.

She urged participants to stay committed throughout the programme, calling the launch the “beginning of the race” and reminding them that investing in their skills would lead to long-term benefits for their families and communities.

“This is a very big step that you’re taking, as it is an investment in yourselves,” she said. “If we are to invest in our community, if we are to invest in our families, our children, for those of us who have, it will not be a very good one if we first do not invest in ourselves.”

With these initiatives, the government aims to ensure that development work within these villages is done by locals rather than relying on external labour.

Minister Hamilton emphasised, “We want to ensure that if the region needs real work to be done in the village, somebody doesn’t have to come in the village to do the real work. You have people in the village who can do that.”

As the training programmes commence, both government officials and community leaders hope that these new opportunities will lead to long-term sustainability, employment, and self-reliance for residents of Shulinab, Potarinau, and surrounding areas.