In his inaugural address to the National Assembly, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, revealed plans for a comprehensive training programme aimed at truck drivers. The initiative will be implemented through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and aims to enhance road safety and driving standards.
Speaking during the Budget Debate, Griffith noted that the training programme will complement ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Public Service, Government Efficiency, and Implementation. This announcement comes at a time of increased public concern over truck safety on the nation’s roadways, with reports of drivers speeding and posing risks to other road users.
The government previously indicated its intention to introduce speed-limiting devices for trucks in response to these safety concerns. This follows a series of serious and fatal accidents involving trucks, including a recent devastating incident on the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge that involved an unlicensed young driver.
In addition to the truck driver training initiative, Minister Griffith outlined several other workforce development initiatives. He announced the establishment of a national manpower agency that will feature a labour market observatory aimed at generating vital information and statistics on labour demand and skills gaps within the economy.
Griffith also emphasized the government’s commitment to rehabilitating prisoners, introducing a new capacity development programme designed to train inmates. This initiative aims to allow prisoners to earn while serving their sentences, facilitating support for their families and promoting rehabilitation.
These developments reflect the government’s broader strategy to enhance workforce capacity and ensure safer transportation practices in Guyana.
