The government says it is prepared to take certified skills training directly to communities in Linden, once residents form groups of 15 to 20 people interested in a particular field.

Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh made the offer during a recent Cabinet outreach, as the government seeks to address shortages of qualified workers across the construction and technical sectors.

Singh identified heavy-equipment operation as one area in which workers are urgently needed. He said there is also demand for skilled construction workers, technicians, craftsmen and joiners.

“I only cite equipment operators because that is an area where I know we have an immediate shortage, but the same applies to any other field,” Singh told residents.

He urged community leaders to identify interested residents and ensure they are prepared to complete the training.

“If you can put together a group of about 15 or 20 people who want to do some training in any particular area, you are a community leader in my eyes,” Singh said.

“Make sure they are committed to doing the training, and we will come here and do the training and give them the certification.”

The proposed initiative could give Lindeners a pathway to recognised qualifications and employment while helping employers fill vacancies in sectors supporting Guyana’s expanding economy.

Singh also encouraged residents to assess the skills they already possess and consider how those abilities could be developed into businesses or used to secure employment.

Calls for greater participation by Lindeners in emerging economic opportunities continued throughout the outreach.