As part of its efforts to mitigate the expected labour shortage which can be viewed as a consequence of Guyana’s rapid economic development, the government is tapping into the diaspora, known to have many of the skillsets that will be needed here.
According to a release on Tuesday from the Department of Public Information (DPI), the Government of Guyana is currently finalising plans to host its second diaspora job fair in Suriname after the hosting of the inaugural job fair in New York in July this year. This event is slated for Saturday, November 2, in Nickerie, where the vast majority of the diaspora has settled over the decades, and will be open to the public from 12 pm to 4 pm.
The second job fair will once again see the collaboration between the government and private sector to host several companies in Nickerie interested in tapping into the diaspora to fill critical labour gaps in Guyana. Predictably, businesses in the Berbice region will be involved in the event. Supplementing the job fair will be major government ministries who will present various transformative projects undertaken by the government and how the diaspora can take up opportunities in the public sector created as a result of these projects.
The release informed that attendees can anticipate direct engagement with representatives from leading companies, government agencies, and non-profit organisations, all offering a diverse range of employment opportunities and valuable insights into the remigration process. It added that the event will include informative sessions on investment opportunities, housing options, and educational resources available to returning citizens. Representatives of over 20 companies from several sectors, seven ministries and agencies, and four chambers of commerce will be participating.
The construction of six new hospitals, for example, will require various skills to fill numerous jobs to be created as a result. And as a result of requests emanating from the diaspora, supporting agencies such as the Central Immigration and Passport Office, General Registrar Office, the Board of Industrial Training, and the National Insurance Scheme, are among agencies who will be offering their services and provide information at the event.
The job fair is the result of a commitment made by President Irfaan Ali following his recent meeting with the Guyanese diaspora, and aims to harness the skills and expertise of Guyana’s diaspora community.
Foreign Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Robert Persaud reiterated, “This second job fair represents a pivotal moment for our nation as we seek to harness the skills and expertise of our diaspora community. It is very clear to all that Guyana’s unprecedented growth is posing a massive challenge to fill the labour gaps as quickly as they are being created. That is why the government is keen on encouraging our Guyanese diaspora to understand the development taking place, the opportunities created as a result and return to grasp those opportunities. Whether they are considering returning to Guyana or seeking to make a meaningful impact from abroad, the Diaspora Job Fair promises to be an invaluable networking and career advancement opportunity.”
As was the case in the inaugural job fair, this event marks a “crucial initiative” aimed at showcasing career opportunities across various industries. It underscores its importance as a pivotal platform for connecting returning Guyanese with prospective employers, the DPI noted.
Guyanese in Suriname needing more information about the Diaspora Job Fair, can contact the Guyana Embassy in Paramaribo, and the Guyana Consulate in Nickerie.
