In an era where skill development is the foundation of sustainable economic growth, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) has launched an initiative that stands to transform the future of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Essequibo). This new training program is not only a response to the region’s longstanding skills gap but a powerful statement on the commitment to bridging the divide between potential and opportunity.
With over 100 residents already enrolled, the BIT’s program is delivering hands-on, vocational training in a range of critical sectors, including welding and fabrication, solar panel installation and repairs, heavy-duty equipment operation, electrical installation, and commercial food preparation. But perhaps most notably, it marks the first-ever introduction of a Cosmetology program in Lethem, broadening the scope of opportunities for local residents to pursue careers in diverse fields.
The significance of this move cannot be overstated. For decades, Region Nine has lagged behind in terms of access to technical training, with many of its residents struggling to gain the skills needed to secure stable employment or start businesses. The government, through this initiative, is taking meaningful steps to rectify this imbalance—offering residents not just a path to employment, but a chance to actively contribute to the region’s self-sufficiency and long-term prosperity.
In unveiling the program at the Business Incubation Center in Lethem, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton highlighted the urgent need for such initiatives. “Creating opportunities like this will play a crucial role in closing the skills gap,” Hamilton noted, stressing that this is more than a temporary fix—it is a long-term strategy aimed at empowering the local population. Indeed, this program’s impact will be felt not only in the immediate generation of skilled workers but in the creation of a self-sustaining cycle of training and employment.
In his remarks, Minister Hamilton also made a noteworthy point about the increasing participation of women in these programs, which marks a significant shift in the region’s social dynamics. For too long, vocational training in many parts of the world—Region Nine included—has been perceived as a male-dominated field. Yet, over the last four years, women in Region Nine have stepped forward in record numbers, taking part in vocational courses across a variety of sectors. “Over the last four years, from 2020 to 2024, we executed 38 programs in Region Nine, training 716 persons—236 males and 480 females,” Hamilton revealed, underscoring the role of women as active agents of change in their communities. This shift is both encouraging and necessary, as empowering women with marketable skills can have profound ripple effects on entire communities.
The initiative’s long-term sustainability is also a key point of emphasis. Hamilton highlighted a critical challenge faced by the region—the lack of qualified trainers. It is no secret that regions like Upper Takutu-Essequibo often face barriers in sourcing skilled trainers, but Hamilton is optimistic that the very participants who benefit from this program will eventually become the next generation of trainers, ensuring the cycle of education and empowerment continues. This vision is key to achieving true self-sufficiency in the region and is a model that could be replicated in other parts of the country.
The enthusiasm for this initiative is not confined to government officials. Local leaders such as Lethem’s Mayor John Macedo and Regional Chairman Brian Allicock have expressed their unwavering support for the program, recognizing its transformative potential.
There is little doubt that BIT’s initiative is a game-changer for Region Nine. By providing free, high-quality vocational training and fostering local capacity-building, the program is laying the groundwork for a more prosperous and self-reliant future. It is a model of inclusive development that other regions of Guyana—and even other nations—would do well to emulate.
As the first cohort of graduates emerges in a few months, there is hope that these newly skilled individuals will not only fill the current gaps in the workforce but will also be able to pass on their knowledge to others, ensuring that the cycle of education and empowerment continues for generations to come.
