US ambassador lauds efforts to develop local workforce

…says women are crucial in bridging labour gap

In light of Guyana’s rapid economic transformation, there has been a notable lack of skilled personnel to adequately support the development of the country’s rapidly growing economy. However, United States (US) ambassador, Nicole Theriot, has recently lauded the Government for its strategic initiatives, which are aimed at addressing this issue.
The ambassador, who made a recent appearance on the Energy Perspectives Podcast, was asked about the Government’s approach towards addressing the country’s labour shortage.
“I’m actually very heartened and very encouraged, because you know how they say the first step is to recognise you have a problem. Well, Guyana – clearly the Government, the private sector – clearly recognises that there’s a labour shortage,” the ambassador said in her response.
“A shortage in the skills that will be needed tomorrow in oil and gas, but also well beyond that in other segments of the economy. So, I think they realise that, they’re identifying the skills that are going to be needed both today and into the future,” she added.

On this point, recognising that there is a labour shortage, Theriot noted that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/) Administration, in collaboration with stakeholders from the private sector, has been very strategic in their steps towards addressing the issue.
“And the next step, of course, and that has definitely begun, is to invest in that, to invest in workforce development, in technical education, in vocational training. All of those things are happening. Could they happen faster? Yes, that would be great, because the need is definitely there. But I think they’re absolutely working, the Government in collaboration with the private sector, in collaboration with international companies, they’re definitely working towards that,” she said
Moreover, the ambassador revealed that US companies have been at the forefront of labour development in the country, recognising the benefits gained from investing in the local workforce. Theriot highlighted that other foreign countries are beginning to follow suit.
“I’m incredibly proud of our US companies here in Guyana. They have really world-class on-the-job training, skills development, leadership opportunities and I think that is really kind of setting the standard. Other companies are also following suit so that’s raising the bar here, it’s providing training and opportunities for Guyanese to get those highly skilled, high-paying jobs,” she expressed.
“So, I think the way that we’re all working together in that space is critically important and we’re going to get there. We’re absolutely going to get there it just takes a little bit of time,” Theriot said.
Additionally, the ambassador highlighted that women can play an important role in the country’s economic transformation. She noted that with more investments and opportunities being given to women, the country could significantly close the labour gap.
“Because we all know when you give women opportunities – whether it’s training, education, skills development – when you give women opportunities, it benefits all of society. So that inclusivity, that economic growth benefiting all Guyanese women, are critical to that. But the other part is, why would you leave out 50 per cent of your population? It’s just not smart. Why would you take them off the table when you’re trying to fill a labour shortage, to find skilled workers? Why wouldn’t you invest in women? We’re really good. We do a really good job. And we’re really smart.”