Guyana to stage diaspora job fair in Suriname
Guyana is moving ahead with plans to stage a second diaspora job fair in Suriname as the country seeks to fill critical labour gaps.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said that the event is scheduled for November 2 and follows a successful hosting of the inaugural job fair in New York in July this year.
It said that the second job fair will be held in Nickerie, where most of the diaspora has settled over the decades.
“The second job fair will once again see the collaboration between the government of Guyana and the private sector to host several companies in Nickerie interested in tapping into the diaspora to fill critical labour gaps in Guyana.
“Most notably, businesses in the Berbice region will be involved in the event. Supplementing the job fair will be major government ministries who will present various transformative projects undertaken by the government and how the diaspora can take up opportunities in the public sector created as a result of these projects.”
The statement noted that the construction of six new hospitals, for example, will require various skills to fill numerous jobs to be created as a result.
“This second job fair represents a pivotal moment for our nation as we seek to harness the skills and expertise of our diaspora community. It is very clear to all that Guyana’s unprecedented growth is posing a massive challenge to fill the labour gaps as quickly as they are being created,” said Foreign Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Robert Persaud.
“That is why the government is keen on encouraging our Guyanese diaspora to understand the development taking place, the opportunities created as a result and return to grasp those opportunities. Whether they are considering returning to Guyana or seeking to make a meaningful impact from abroad, the Diaspora Job Fair promises to be an invaluable networking and career advancement opportunity,” he added.
The ministry said that as has been the case in the inaugural job fair, the November 2 event, “marks a crucial initiative aimed at showcasing career opportunities across various industries” and that “it underscores its importance as a pivotal platform for connecting returning Guyanese with prospective employers”.
It said the event will include informative sessions on investment opportunities, housing options, and educational resources available to returning citizens.
