The expanding economy and the new sectors being developed, hold opportunities for Guyanese at home and abroad. This was the message delivered by Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud while he addressed a job fair held by the Government of Guyana over the weekend in Nickerie, Suriname.
The event saw a turnout of 120 delegates representing 30 businesses and agencies, with Nickerie chosen as the venue for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ second diaspora job fair owing to its large population of Guyanese migrants. As a matter of fact, the Diaspora Unit in a statement hailed the turn out as even bigger than the New York job fair it organised earlier this year.
In his address to the gathering, Persaud noted that as the economy continues to expand at a rapid pace, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is looking to be inclusionary and not exclusionary. This includes extending a hand to the diaspora, which has useful skills and capital that can play a crucial part in the development of Guyana.
“What is happening here today is unprecedented. Guyanese who would have returned to Guyana in recent years are astonished with what is going on in the country. Other than being the fastest growing economy, with a budding oil and gas sector, we are expanding the traditional sectors and building new sectors of the economy. This presents tremendous opportunities not only for the people living in Guyana but also for the diaspora.”
“We want you to be part of that exciting journey and this great future that stands before us. That is why we are here today. Not only to tell you the story but also for you to interact with the private sector to learn of those opportunities,” the Foreign Secretary told the large gathering, also expressing how important it is for every Guyanese to participate in Guyana’s development regardless of where they live.
The foreign secretary related that whenever persons question why the Government is taking these job opportunities to the diaspora, it is not only due to their desire to be as inclusive as possible, but also born out of the Government’s belief that the diaspora possesses the wealth, and experience, as well as a desire to help build a country that is strong, resilient and prosperous.
Also addressing the gathering was former President of the Guyana Manufacturing Association (GMSA) Rafeek Khan. He made sure to thank both the private sector companies for participating in the job fair and the Government of Guyana for facilitating the event between Suriname and Guyana.
“My fellow Guyanese, as you know we are entrepreneurs at heart, so you are here attending this job fair, you will also have an opportunity to learn more about the products and services the companies have to offer which you can consider promoting in Suriname. You are also encouraged to share your ideas and lessons learned while living in Suriname and perhaps come back to Guyana to work with similar companies,” Khan said.
Suriname is said to have over 60,000 Guyanese residents with the largest concentration in Nickerie. In one of his overseas visits, His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, committed to provide information to the diaspora on job opportunities existing in Guyana for Guyanese who are interested in returning and joining the workforce. This in turn, will assist employers across the sectors to find critical labour and skills needed.
The event was in partnership with the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCCI), the Region 5 Chamber of Commerce, and the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA). A total of 120 delegates representing 30 businesses and agencies participated in the event.
The businesses represented a wide cross section of sectors and included companies in construction, hospitality, manufacturing, forestry, retail, insurance, farming, rice milling, and services.
And due to requests from the Guyanese diaspora in Suriname, the Diaspora Unit also included representatives from Government agencies such as the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA).
Back in July 2024, the Government of Guyana held a Diaspora Job Fair in collaboration with the PSC, at the New York LaGuardia Marriott Hotel. The event had featured high-level Guyanese Government officials, diplomats, and members of the private sector from both Guyana and the Diaspora.
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