Minister Hamilton with other officials at the sod-turning ceremony
Residents of Port Kaituma, in the Matarkai sub-district of Region One (Barima-Waini), will now have easy access to training opportunities and services offered by the Labour Ministry, as the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) is set to construct a new training centre in that region.
The sod-turning ceremony in regard to the construction of this $53 million state-of-the -art facility was held on Wednesday; and the building, which will be constructed at Oronoque, is expected to be completed within six months.
This new facility would feature a design similar to centres being constructed at Corriverton and New Amsterdam in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and the welding and fabrication and joinery facilities would have state-of-the-art standards as per the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs).
Construction of this much-needed centre has been made possible through collaboration of the Housing and Water Ministry with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), which facilitated the allocation of the land.
The group of young people undergoing training to enable them to undertake engine repairs
During the sod-turning ceremony, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton highlighted that Ministry’s commitment to delivering technical and vocational training programmes irrespective of geographical location. This approach, he said, aligns with Government’s efforts to address the shortage of skilled individuals.
“Region One has been pleading for a technical training building, and so today’s event is the Government’s way of responding to such a recommendation. And so, they (residents) should expect a very holistic and comprehensive programme from the Labour Ministry,” he said.
A Labour and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) officer is presently assigned to the sub-district. However, once construction works are completed, a technical officer from the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) would be employed to manage the facility.
Minister Hamilton has said that establishment of the Regional Labour Office aims to decentralize the Ministry’s services. This approach, he said, would ensure timely response to labour-related matters, workplace accidents, and health risks, and ensure frequent monitoring and inspection of operations.
Meanwhile, 20 residents of Sebai and Canal Bank, riverine villages in the Matarkai sub-district of Region One (Barima-Waini), would soon be equipped with the necessary skills to become licensed small engine technicians. The four-month skills programme which will be facilitated by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) will see 10 residents from each village participating.
Minister Hamilton has noted that implementation of this skills programme fulfills a request made by residents during a recent community visit, and he is urging the potential trainees to complete the programme despite any challenges they may face.
