THE Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department, on Monday, hosted a landmark symposium titled “Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalisation at Work,” bringing together nearly 100 participants from public and private sector agencies to explore the future of workplace safety in Guyana.

Held at the Regency Suites Hotel as part of OSH Month and the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the symposium underscored the Ministry’s commitment to promoting modern, technology-driven approaches to occupational safety and health (OSH).
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, challenged participants to rethink the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools in the workplace. He stressed that real intelligence must precede the use of artificial intelligence if these technologies are to be successfully integrated into workplace practices.

“If you don’t have real intelligence, you’re incapable of utilising AI,” Minister Hamilton declared. “Technology alone cannot solve organisational challenges if the human foundation is weak.”
Using real-world examples, including the Ministry’s partnership with Coursera through the Board of Industrial Training, the Minister highlighted gaps in digital literacy, even among those with access to modern devices. He warned against assuming readiness based on access or qualifications, stating, “Certificate doesn’t equal employability. Certificate doesn’t equal responsibility.”

Hamilton also issued a call to action to managers and business leaders to invest in upskilling and retraining their staff, arguing that without a cultural shift in how safety and competence are approached, technological advancements alone would not be sufficient to prevent workplace hazards.
“We have a notorious culture that believes God will protect us forever and ever,” he cautioned. “If we fail to change, our only option will be to prepare to play cards and dominoes at wake houses.”

The symposium featured a series of expert presentations and panel discussions on how AI, predictive analytics, and digital monitoring tools can be used to enhance risk management, incident prevention, and the creation of safer working environments.
Notable attendees included Ms. Gillian Burton-Persaud, Adviser to the Minister; OSH Consultant, Ms. Gweneth King; Mr. Roydon Croal; and Ms. Maxean Bess, Assistant Chief OSH Officer, among other senior officials.

Representatives from over a dozen organisations also participated, including the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Home Affairs, Massy Guyana, National Data Management Authority (NDMA), National Insurance Scheme (NIS), SEACOR Marine, Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), Linden Mayor and Town

Council, MODEC, Guyana National Shipping Corporation, ChampionX, Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Banks DIH Ltd., Sterling Products Ltd., Farfan and Mendes Ltd., Pritipaul Singh Investment, and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).
The Ministry of Labour reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous learning as Guyana advances toward a more technology-driven economy.