Guyana’s first Diaspora job fair in the US, hopes to fill 100,000 vacancies as development accelerates across the homeland

Robert Persaud foreign secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on July 27, stated studies show that there is a gap of 100,000 job vacancies available across the Republic, and called on nationals in the New York diaspora to make good use of these opportunities.

During a keynote address at the first ever Guyana Diaspora Job Fair in the United States, held in the ballroom of the LaGuardia Airport Marriott, Persaud spoke passionately about nationals filling these gaps, while contributing towards the development of Guyana.

He thanked private sector company leaders for traveling from Georgetown to participate in the recruitment drive, facilitated by the government, and extended greetings from President Irfaan Ali, whom he said, had made a commitment to the global Guyanese diaspora to host several job fairs. He said New York, was chosen for the initiative, since the largest population of nationals live and work here. 

He stated that coming to the United States first, was also strategic, because the US is “our key strategic and trading partner, with the largest private investment in our country.” 

“The US recognizes that the partnership is strong and lasting, as such, Guyanese owned businesses in the US can also help in the development of Guyana.”

“This fair is part of an ongoing campaign to make sure that our people are adequately updated on developments within our country, not only as spectators to the transformation taking place, but rather, we want them to be leaders and key beneficiaries of the progress and the prosperity,” said Persaud,

He said there is no reason for non-Guyanese to fill vacancies when there is more that 1 million Guyanese in global diasporas to move the country forward.”

Guyanese officials at the first Diaspora job fair in the United States. From left, Fazil Yusseff, Komal Singh, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, Consul General to New York, Michael E. Brotherson, and Ambassador to Washington Samuel Hinds,during the first Guyana Diaspora Job fair, in the United States, at the Laguardia Airport Marriott.Photo by Tangerine Clark

Due to the political crisis, 30,000 Venezuela migrants are now living in Guyana, he said, “were it not for their input and support, many of the jobs would not be undertaken”. 

“We want this job fair to energize, excite, motivate, and inspire the second and third generation of Guyanese. They can learn about the country of their parents, and see from a career standpoint, the vast and exciting opportunities that exists in our country.” 

American oil giant Exxon Mobile, and GYSBI, are examples of new industries in need of a skilled workforce.

“I want to also, make it clear, these opportunities are for citizens at home. Guyana needs all hands-on deck, for the prosperity, and wellbeing of their country,” said Persaud. 

Consulate General of Guyana to New York, Ambassador Michael Brotherson, in brief remarks, said the job fair is a further tangible manifestation of the efforts of the Government of Guyana, led by President Irfaan Ali and the Private Sector.

“The entities and agencies that are represented are diverse and reflect the possibilities and expanse of some of what Guyana has to offer,” said CG Brotherson. 

Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, chief investment officer for the Guyana Office for Investment, painted a rosy picture of investment opportunities available in Guyana, adding, that President Ali is building seven state-of-the art healthcare facilities, on par with the US. 

Robert Persaud, foreign secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, keynote speaker left, and Rolalinda Rasul, head of Diaspora who served as emcee at the podium, during the first Guyana Diaspora Job fair, in the United States, at the Laguardia Airport Marriott.Photo by Tangerine Clark

He stated that Guyana believes in freedom, democracy, and the One Guyana platform that will benefit all Guyanese. 

Ambassador of Guyana to Washington, and former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, noted that good things are happening in Guyana. He encouraged the next generation who are graduating in 2024, to return home to invest in the growth of Guyana in all sectors, agriculture, housing, construction, electricity, and hydropower, adding that nationals should share the knowledge they gained at the fair to inspire their children to invest in Guyana, maybe for a better life than they are having in the US.

 Mr. Komal Singh, chairman of the Private Sector Commission of Guyana Limited, stressed the demand for labor in Guyana that was depleted by 80 % over the last two years, especially when it comes to infrastructure and the oil and gas industry.

He is hopeful that nationals would seize the opportunity to return home to fill vacancies that are readily available.

The job fair emceed by Rosalinda Rasul, head of the Diaspora in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, was attended by scores of Guyanese in the New York area, and as far away as New Jersey, Connecticut, Marilyn, and Florida. 

During the all-day event, nationals had an opportunity to engage with industry leaders and view a slide show of Guyana’s developing landscape. 

Contributors were Rafeek Khan, Durable Wood Products, Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association, Ganshyam/Mahase, NSB Omega Guyana Inc., L’Heureuse Construction & Services Inc., IVF at Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital, Muneshwers Limited, Guyana IBC International Business Conference Center, GAICO, Namilco Milling Company, E-Net, Century 21 Guyana, and Dr. Ayesha Wilburg Medical Services Clinic, Best Western Guyana, and Channel 9 TV, to name a few.