As discussions continue between Washington and Georgetown on a proposed agreement that could see Guyana accepting third-country deportees from the United States, the private sector is backing the selective integration of skilled migrants to support the country’s expanding economy.
Gerry Jnr. is PSC Chairman said any such arrangement must be tightly controlled, with priority given to security, cultural compatibility and skills relevance.
“Security of our country is the utmost priority… we have to know where people are coming from,” Gouveia said, adding that migrant labour could be beneficial if individuals possess the required training and experience.
He said Guyana faces labour shortages across key sectors, but warned that intake must be selective to ensure positive economic and social impact.
“We do have a labour shortage in Guyana, but we have to be careful and selective… it has to be a multiplier and positive impact,” he added.
U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot has said Guyana has yet to make a decision on the proposal, though Washington is hopeful of a positive outcome, citing potential benefits for the labour market.
Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud said in January that discussions were ongoing on a framework aligned with national priorities and U.S. objectives.
Reports indicate the proposed framework could help address labour shortages in sectors such as construction and hospitality, through the entry of vetted, skilled individuals without criminal backgrounds.
