BIT partners with GMIN Ventures to launch vocational training in Reg 7

The BIT-GMIN training launch, done through a collaboration between the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and GMIN Ventures Guyana Inc, took place on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Board of Industrial Training Centre in Mongrippa Hill, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

This partnership combines BIT’s technical expertise with GMIN Ventures Guyana Inc’s financial and operational support to develop comprehensive Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.
These programmes aim to provide competency-based training and certification, enabling individuals to secure entry-level positions and excel in GMIN Ventures Guyana Inc projects and other related operations.
Delivering the keynote address at the launch event was labour Minister Joseph Hamilton who emphasising the crucial role of trainers in delivering quality education for the benefit of both trainees and the region.

“Bartica has a great opportunity with GMIN Ventures Guyana Inc as a strong partner. Utilise the stakeholders and trainers present to develop education delivery in this area,” Minister Hamilton Stated.
He also urged trainers to remain dedicated to their trainees’ success, ensuring the programme has a lasting impact.
BIT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Richard Maughn, remarked that the launch signifies the beginning of training for 200 individuals, scheduled to commence on March 10, 2025, at the training centre.
He highlighted that residents in the region will receive certification in various skill programmes, and assured immediate employment opportunities for those who successfully complete the training.
In the same vein as the Minister, Maughn also encouraged participants to take full advantage of this initiative.
GMIN Ventures Guyana Inc’s Country Manager Mr Bjorn Jeune underscored the programme’s significance in equipping local communities with the necessary skills for the Oko West Gold Project in Region Seven.
Earlier this year, BIT and GMIN Ventures Guyana Inc formalised their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish this training initiative.
Earlier, at the labour Ministry year-end press conference in January, it was revealed that the Labour Ministry, in collaboration with Canadian company G-Mining Ventures (GMIN), would join forces to train thousands of Guyanese citizens to take up several positions at one of the largest gold mines in Guyana, located in the Oko West area of the Cuyuni-Mazaruni community of Region Seven.
The new programme in collaboration with BIT, would see some 1,500 Guyanese being trained for the developmental phase of the project with a heavy focus on creating opportunities particularly for residents within the region.
Moreover, the US$1.5 billion gold project to be spearheaded by shareholder group, GMIN Ventures Corporation in the Oko West area, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) is expected to re-energise Guyana’s mining sector with the production of 350,000 ounces of gold annually.
The project, which would come on stream in 2027, is situated some 95 kilometres (km) southwest of Georgetown and measures approximately 44 square kilometres (km²). In October 2023, the Natural Resources Ministry announced the discovery of gold in Oko West, hinting that the area has the potential for a large-scale gold-producing mine.
Country Manager of GMIN Ventures, Bjorn Jeune, in November of 2023 had stated that the Oko West project represents a significant milestone in Guyana’s natural resources’ development, and that its operation would alleviate challenges faced in recent years.