—Some 1,300 hinterland residents to benefit from 97 training programmes

WITH new sectors emerging and others rapidly developing across Guyana, the development of human resources has never been more important. The government remains committed to ensuring that this development happens in every part of the country, especially in the hinterland and Amerindian communities.

This was emphasised by Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, as he addressed participants at the National Toshaos Conference on Thursday last. Minister Hamilton highlighted the vital work being undertaken in Indigenous communities through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

“I am proud to highlight the impactful work of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) under our ministry. Through the community-based training project, we have made significant strides in bringing vocational and life skills training directly to Amerindian villages, communities, and settlements,” the Labour Minister said.

He noted that from 2020 to 2024, BIT successfully trained and certified 2,144 residents across regions 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 in key occupational areas such as Electrical Installation, Heavy Duty Equipment Operation, Welding & Fabrication, Agro-Processing, Photovoltaic Maintenance and Repairs, Small Engine Repairs, and ICT.

Minister Hamilton also noted that renewed interest in skills development is being supported by improved infrastructure. He reported that new training facilities have been completed in Bartica and Lethem, with additional facilities currently under construction in Port Kaituma and Mahdia. Looking ahead, he revealed that for 2025, BIT has projected the rollout of 97 training programmes across 58 communities, with 28 programmes already underway and 59 more pending logistical arrangements.

“We aim to directly engage 1,300 beneficiaries, including 722 males and 578 females, under a budgeted investment of over $221 million,” he stated.

Details of these training initiatives show that the programmes are being strategically spread across all ten administrative regions. In the Barima-Waini region (Region 1), the scope is wide-ranging, from Small Engine Repairs and Welding to Furniture Making and Plumbing, reaching villages such as Mabaruma, Baramita, and Moruca. This region alone will see multiple occupational areas introduced, often simultaneously across sub-regions.

Moving south to Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam), the focus leans heavily on Commercial Food Preparation and Cosmetology, especially in riverine communities like Bethany, Capoey, and Mashabo. This trend continues in Region 3, where Santa Mission is earmarked for Boat Building and culinary training, offering new opportunities for residents in tourism-linked skills.

Meanwhile, in the central regions, such as Region 4 (Demerara-Mahaica), technical disciplines like Electrical Installation are being prioritised in Indigenous communities such as St. Cuthbert’s Mission. In Moraikobai, located in Region 5 (Mahaica-Berbice), residents are expected to benefit from four distinct programmes, including Heavy Duty Equipment Operation, an area vital to Guyana’s growing infrastructural needs. In the east, residents of Orealla and Siparuta (Region 6) are currently benefitting from Small Engine Repairs and equipment-based training. Across the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region (Region 7), plans are in place for a diverse set of skills training ranging from Craft Production to Electrical Installation and Joinery. These programmes are set to reach Upper and Middle Mazaruni villages like Chinoweng, Jawalla, and Waramadong.

Further into the hinterland, Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) will initiate training in Motor Vehicle Servicing and Small Engine Repairs in Kurukubaru, while Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) has a wider portfolio that includes Information Technology, Agro-Processing, Tourism and Hospitality, and Welding. These will be delivered in communities such as Aishalton, Karaudarnau, Potarinau, and Shulinab. Finally, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) features a mix of in-demand training areas including Welding & Fabrication and Joinery in villages like Wiruni, Great Falls, and Kimbia, some of which are currently awaiting final confirmation of trainees and instructors.

The detailed planning and geographic spread of these programmes underscore the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring no community is left behind in the push for nationwide development. As Guyana prepares for new economic opportunities, investments in technical training for Indigenous youth remain a powerful tool for empowerment and inclusive growth.