THE Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, on Wednesday, launched its flagship Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Village and Job Fair 2026, bringing together government, private sector, and job seekers along Main Street for a two-day event centred on workplace safety and well-being.
Delivering the feature address at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, underscored the importance of building a national culture where safety is not treated as an afterthought, but as a fundamental workplace priority.
The event, which began at 10:00 hours, forms a key part of the Ministry’s OSH Month observances and aims to strengthen awareness, expand employment opportunities, and encourage best practices across industries.
Remarks were also delivered by Senior Occupational Safety and Health Officer Darwin Bourne and Chief Recruitment and Manpower Planning Officer, Yolanda Grant. Representatives from major industry partners, including ExxonMobil and SBM Offshore, joined in highlighting the role of collaboration in shaping safer work environments.
Speakers collectively pointed to the importance of workforce development, noting that safety standards must evolve alongside the country’s growing labour demands, particularly in high-risk sectors.
Held under the national theme “Putting Safety First,” this year’s event goes beyond physical safety to address the growing importance of mental health in the workplace.
Organisers emphasised the sub-theme, “Good psychosocial working environments: A pathway to thriving workers and strong organisations,” as a call to action for employers to create supportive, respectful, and stress-conscious work environments.
In addition to safety awareness, the OSH Village and Job Fair serve as a hub for employment, offering job seekers the opportunity to connect directly with employers, explore career paths, and access resources aimed at improving job readiness.
The two-day initiative continues today, with organisers expecting strong public participation as Guyana pushes to align workplace practices with modern standards of safety, health, and overall employee well-being.
