GCCI, Ministry of Public Service launch Skills Connect App

On Tuesday, Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency, and Implementation Zulfikar Ally partnered with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) to launch the Ministry’s online SkillsConnect Application that is geared towards connecting service providers and tradesmen to clients. The launch was held in the GCCI’s boardroom and attended by members of the Chamber both in person and online.
Among the challenges faced by the private sector is a shortage of skilled labour, as well as unskilled labour, as a result of the unprecedented growth in the construction sector.

President of the GCCI, Kathy Smith, declared the platform a game-changer. She noted the challenges experienced locally by both businesses and citizens in accessing services – particularly those related to the construction sector. “It is a privilege to partner with the Government of Guyana to ensure that the information for this platform gets out there,” she stated to the attendees.
Meanwhile, as he provided an overview of the app, Minister Ally reflected on the importance of customer service evolving to international standards and implementing best practices. “The aim of SkillsConnect is to have small businesses on a platform showcasing the services that they have and to have Guyanese going on that platform requesting those services… We are launching this app to connect everyone together. We want to connect Guyanese to other Guyanese who have skills and services to offer,” he stated.
Minister Ally assured users that the platform is safe and under the supervision of the National Data Management Authority. Furthermore, he noted that additional systems will be put in place, such as requiring users to register using their national identification cards, and will be subject to reviews and ratings by both service providers and clients.
The Minister underscored the importance of advancing efficiency and ease of doing business in the country, saying, “As Guyana progresses, as we move from a middle-income to a high-income country, our attitudes and service to the people must also change – but more importantly, businesses have to reform the way they think and the way they deliver service.”