Canada to establish CAD$3M Caribbean Future Skills Fund

– Guyanese among beneficiaries

Young people from Guyana and other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States would benefit from high-quality education and training under a Canada-funded skills development fund.
On Thursday, Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen, announced that country’s intention to contribute up to CAd$3 million to establish a Caribbean Future Skills Fund, to help build a workforce that can capitalize on technological innovation and contribute to inclusive and sustainable economies in the Caribbean.

According to a statement from Global Affairs Canada, the country’s diplomatic department, this initiative demonstrates Canada’s commitment to continue strengthening its partnership with CARICOM countries by focusing on tackling the region’s key development challenges through education, technical and vocational training.
“Canada supports the vision of CARICOM leaders, including President Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana, Chair and Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada, and Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, to create a regional fund that will empower youths from the Caribbean region with valuable skills and viable employment opportunities,” the missive detailed.
In the initial stages, the Canadian Government would work with Caribbean Leaders, CARICOM institutions, Canadian and Caribbean technical and vocational institutions, and private sector partners to examine feasible options for the fund’s set-up and delivery.
These activities would include support for labour market assessments and the establishment of pilot programmes.

“Canada stands with our Caribbean partners in building a resilient and sustainable future for all. The Caribbean Future Skills Fund will contribute to economic development while empowering communities to thrive. Together, we are investing in a brighter future for generations to come,” Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, has said.
According to Minister Hussen, “The development of technical and vocational skills is essential for young people to become active participants in the workforce. Through this investment, we are helping to create sustainable employment opportunities for them, contributing to the Caribbean region’s economic growth, resilience, and prosperity.”
President Dr Irfaan Ali has also lauded this initiative by the Canadian Government, which he says would open up opportunities for Caribbean youths.
“Guyana welcomes news of Canada’s commitment to establish a fund that will unlock new opportunities for youths from the Caribbean and promote inclusive high-quality education and training. This partnership reflects our shared vision for long-term, reliable economic growth and success,” the Guyanese Leader stated.
Also commenting on the initiative, current CARICOM Chair Dickon Mitchell, Grenadian Prime Minister, said, “Canada’s leadership to create a Caribbean Future Skills Fund is a significant step towards building a more resilient youth workforce. Together, we will empower the people of Grenada and youths from across the Caribbean with the skills needed for present and future employment, while addressing brain drain and greater opportunities for women, marginalized, and at-risk groups, especially young men.”
Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley added, “This partnership with Canada helps unlock the full potential of young people in Barbados. By supporting skills development and opportunities for jobs, this initiative will build a stronger and more inclusive economy in the Caribbean region.”
Over the years, Canada has supported technical and vocational education and training in the Caribbean including Guyana. Only in February 2024, Canada announced a CAD$9.5 million contribution to Guyana’s One Guyana Digital Skills Development Program to train young Guyanese for the digital economy.
Since 2019, Canada has supported the CAD$18.75 million Skills to Access the Green Economy project, which aims to create a skilled workforce for climate-related sectors in Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica and Saint Lucia.
Minister Hussen has travelled twice to the Caribbean in 2024, participating most recently at the 47th meeting of the CARICOM Heads of State and Government in Grenada in July 2024. He also hosted the 54th meeting of the Caribbean Development Bank Board of Governors in Ottawa in June 2024.