Gov’t could allow importation of skilled labour for big projects

With people still unemployed, despite the high demand for labour, Dr. Jagdeo said different solutions have to be rolled out to guarantee that all Guyanese can secure jobs.

For that reason, he said the government has been engaging firms to build accommodation in business centres so that persons in other regions can be brought and accommodated in the areas or regions where the labour is needed.

He also said the government and/or private entities could be providing daily transportation for workers living in areas where the demand for labour is lower so that they can work in the areas where the demand is high.

Training people in the technical areas where skills are required is also part of the government’s long term solution, the Vice President said too.

MORE WOMEN NEEDED

Even as these solutions are being deliberated upon, another consideration is being examined – the integration of more women into the workforce.

With the government’s part time jobs initiative across the country, he said more women have joined the formal workforce.

Now, Jagdeo thinks more women can be recruited to work outside of the home.

“We can easily bring in probably, mainly rural, hinterland (and) maybe from Region 10, maybe 100,000 women into the workforce,” he said.

Recently, President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce Ryan Alexander told the News Room that private sector players believe more women should be recruited and employed as the country grapples with labour shortages.