Guyana has become the 10th Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries to sign the International Labour Organization-supported Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP).
A statement from the Trinidad-based ILO Office for the Caribbean, said Georgetown, which signed the accord on Wednesday, joins the Bahamas, Belize, and the seven member Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Labour Minister Nanda K. Gopaul signed the agreement in the presence of ILO, employers and trade union stakeholders.
“The Decent Work Country Programme is the mechanism through which the ILO supports the efforts of governments, employers and workers organizations in anchoring the goal of decent work in national development policies, programmes and strategies,” the ILO said.
It focuses on ways in which creating jobs, while promoting respect for rights, social protection and social dialogue, can be made central to social and economic development.
Gopaul said that the government is committed to working with the several social partners signing on to the document.
“Dealing with labour issues is not an easy job so this piece of document will indeed be a great help to the sector. This is not the first time the ILO has helped Guyana in developing legislation and, for this we are grateful for the guidance and technical support,” Gopaul said.
He said the ruling Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration is committed to pursuing fair and equitable practices in the labour sector as they continue to help employers to create a safe and fair environment for employees.
Gopaul said the government will continue to create a favourable environment for investors and, thus create more jobs for its populace. He said the Ministry of Labour will be investing the necessary resources in training its staff to execute the document in a professional and effective manner.
Officer-in-Charge, ILO Decent Work Team for the Caribbean, Dr. Giovanni di Cola, said the ILO will continue to provide support to both the government and the social partners particularly in: the creation of green jobs and decent work; the enhancement of technical and vocational education and training as well as the promotion of entrepreneurship education and training.
The priorities for the DWCP follow three key national development frameworks: the National Development Strategy (2000-2012), the Poverty Reduction Strategy (2001), and the Low-Carbon Development Strategy (2009), officials said.
Antigua Observer
