SGCC Attends National Dialogue on Bridging Guyana’s Skills Gap: Diaspora and Migrant Labour

June 03, 2026•3 min read

The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) was proud to be in attendance at the programme titled “Bridging Guyana’s Skills Gap: Diaspora and Migrant Labour,” held on May 20, 2026, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Georgetown. The event brought together government officials, international organizations, private sector representatives, academics, and labour stakeholders for a timely and practical discussion on one of Guyana’s most important development challenges: ensuring that the country has the right skills, systems, and workforce capacity to support its rapid economic growth.

The programme opened with remarks from key representatives, including Ms. Rosalinda Rasul, Head of the Diaspora Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Ms. Eraina Yaw, Head of Office, International Organization for Migration; Mr. Robert Persaud, Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; and a keynote address by Hon. Keoma Griffith, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning.

For SGCC, the discussions were especially relevant as Guyana continues to experience strong demand for skilled labour across major sectors such as construction, agriculture, health, technical services, and energy-related support industries. As cross-border trade and investment between Guyana and Suriname continue to expand, the Chamber recognizes that labour mobility, skills development, diaspora engagement, and responsible recruitment must form part of the wider conversation on regional economic growth.

A key focus of the programme was understanding Guyana’s current skills gap and identifying realistic pathways to address it. The sessions examined labour shortages, sectoral needs, migration realities, diaspora recruitment opportunities, work permits, employer responsibilities, and worker integration. These are all issues that directly affect the private sector, particularly companies seeking to expand, invest, recruit, and operate efficiently in Guyana.

The dialogue also provided valuable insight into the role of the diaspora in supporting national development. The session on diaspora skills engagement highlighted opportunities to better connect overseas-based Guyanese professionals and technical experts with local industry needs. This is an important area for consideration, as Guyana’s development requires not only capital investment, but also knowledge transfer, professional expertise, and practical skills that can help strengthen local capacity.

SGCC was also pleased to see strong private sector representation throughout the programme, including contributions from employers and industry stakeholders who shared practical experiences from the field. These discussions helped to bring a real-world perspective to the challenges faced by businesses, including recruitment pressures, retention issues, worker readiness, integration, and the need for clearer systems to support both employers and employees.

The Chamber commends the Government of Guyana, the International Organization for Migration, and all participating stakeholders for facilitating this important platform. The event created space for honest dialogue, practical feedback, and solution-oriented thinking around labour market development.

As a Chamber focused on strengthening business ties between Suriname and Guyana, SGCC believes that addressing the skills gap must be treated as a shared development priority. The private sector has a major role to play in identifying needs, supporting training, creating opportunities, and promoting responsible employment practices. At the same time, policy frameworks, institutional coordination, and regional cooperation will be essential to ensuring that labour mobility supports national development while protecting workers and businesses alike.

SGCC remains committed to supporting conversations and initiatives that help build a stronger, more competitive, and more inclusive regional economy. Events such as this are important because they move the discussion beyond identifying challenges and toward building practical solutions for the future of work in Guyana and the wider region.

This content is based on publicly available research and information. SGCC does not assume responsibility for any inaccuracies or changes over time.

Guyana Office (English-speaking)
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Suriname Office (Dutch & English-speaking)
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