The Board of Industrial Training (BIT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, has inaugurated its new Skills Development and Certification Centre in New Amsterdam, Berbice, with an investment of $44.8 million. This initiative represents a pivotal advancement in the enhancement of skills training and certification throughout Guyana. The official opening took place on February 11, 2025, highlighting the government’s commitment to decentralizing training access and fostering regional growth.

The commissioning ceremony drew participation from various stakeholders, including government representatives, regional leaders, and executives from BIT. In his keynote address, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton underlined the significant benefits of the government’s training programs. He remarked, “The evidence of our efforts is clear, particularly with the establishment of this facility. It’s gratifying to see that local residents, including retirees, are gaining from the initiatives we have implemented and will continue to roll out in the region.”

Minister Hamilton also shared that over the past four years, 2,571 individuals in Region Six have been trained through 109 different programs, amounting to an investment of $185 million. This training has reached 1,410 males and 1,230 females, underscoring the government’s dedication to inclusivity and equitable access to educational opportunities.

Richard Maughn, the Chief Executive Officer of BIT, provided an overview of the organization’s advancements, noting that the training programs are now accredited both locally and internationally. This accreditation enhances the prospects for trainees, enabling them to access better job opportunities and pursue further education.

Regional Chairman and BIT Chairman David Armogan, along with New Amsterdam Mayor Wainwright McIntosh, expressed their appreciation for the establishment of the advanced training facility in Berbice, emphasizing its critical role in promoting workforce development.

The new two-level facility, each floor measuring 2,000 square feet, has been constructed to meet the standards of Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs). It is set to play a vital role in delivering training and certification programs tailored to Guyana’s dynamic economic environment. As the nation experiences significant economic growth, initiatives like this ensure that all citizens, regardless of their geographic location, have the chance to acquire essential skills and contribute to the country’s progress.