New training programmes for truck drivers, inmates in Budget 2026 – Labour Minister

Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, on Wednesday announced the rollout of major new training initiatives for truck drivers and prison inmates under Budget 2026, as he delivered his maiden address to the National Assembly during day three of the ongoing Budget Debates at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).
“It gives me pleasure to announce to this House, Mr Speaker, that Budget 2026 will see the implementation and the roll-off of a comprehensive programme for train our truck drivers through the Board of Industrial Training,” Griffith said.
He explained that the programme will complement ongoing work by other Ministries, adding that it “will complement the work of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Public Service, Government Efficiency in reviewing their licensing process for all drivers.”
Griffith also announced the introduction of a capacity development programme targeting inmates across the prison system.
“Budget 2026 will also see the roll-out of a prisoner’s capacity development programme to train, retrain, skill, upskill and rehabilitate inmates, while giving them the opportunity to make an earning and take care of their families, even while they are completing their sentence. This is how you put the people first,” the Minister said.
During his presentation, Griffith highlighted what he described as the Government’s strong record in job creation and workforce development since returning to office in 2020, noting that more than 100,000 jobs were created during that period.

More jobs created, training in Guyana’s history
“The PPP/C Government has created more jobs and trained more citizens than at any other time in the history of this country,” he said. “Between 2020 [and now], over 104,000 sustainable jobs were created, Mr Speaker, surpassing our manifesto promise of just 50,000 jobs.”
He attributed the gains to targeted labour policies and skills training initiatives, particularly through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).
“The Board of Industrial Training between 2020 and 2025 trained over 16,300 persons across all regions with a total investment of over $1.5 billion,” Griffith said, noting that training covered areas ranging from heavy-duty equipment operation to commercial food preparation.
The Minister placed special emphasis on the inclusion of women in traditionally male-dominated fields and underscored the benefits of Government training programmes for persons living with disabilities.
“I must highlight another significant achievement, the training of 615 women in traditionally male-dominated occupations, including welding, heavy-duty equipment operation,” he said. “A woman sits right there. She is trained in heavy-duty equipment operation and electrical installation,” Griffith noted.
“Persons living with disabilities are also recipients of these opportunities. In the last five years over 400 persons living with disabilities in this country have benefited from the programmes and the skills through the work of the Board of Industrial Training.”
He added that support for persons living with disabilities will continue in 2026, stating that “for the year 2026 alone, every person living with a disability will be entitled to a grand total of $362,000, and this excludes the cash grant that they will get as well.”
As a former youth Parliamentarian, Griffith reflected on the significance of his first address as an elected Member of Parliament and cabinet Minister, describing his appointment as evidence of the Government’s commitment to developing young leaders.
“That a son, a grandson, a nephew hailing from the community of East Ruimveldt in the south of Georgetown now occupies a seat in the highest level of policymaking in this country is certainly humbling and a testament of this Government’s belief in moulding the next generation of young leaders,” he declared.
Griffith also addressed criticisms directed at Afro-Guyanese who support the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, declaring, “I must put it on record today that my ancestors rejoice today. There are some of those who believe that they have a monopoly on the voices of Afro-Guyanese, and I say it to them today, ‘My ancestors are proud.’”
Griffith said the labour and training measures outlined in Budget 2026 reflect a deliberate focus on inclusive development.
“This is what putting people first is all about,” he said, as he commended the budget “to the people of Guyana and to this House for full endorsement.”