By Steve Thomas
Observer Nevis Editor
(Charlestown, Nevis) – In an effort to raise the skill level of workers, the government is preparing to send 15 people to Trinidad in the coming weeks for training in mechanics and the construction field.
The program is part of the government’s effort to make Nevis more economically competitive and increase personal income, Minister of Social Transformation the Hon. Hensley Daniel said.
“It breaks the cycle of low-paying jobs,” Mr. Daniel said. “Our problem is too many people without skills. They are unable to get high-paying jobs.”
The government hopes to select the trainees and get the program underway in late February or early March, he said.
The cost of the training program will $150,000, Mr. Daniel said.
The training in Trinidad will be conducted by Metal Industries Company Limited.
According to a press release from the Nevis Island Administration, a four-member team from MIC conducted a four-day fact-finding tour and needs assessment of Nevis that ended on Jan. 11.
The team was headed by Mr. Cipriani Davis, the chief executive officer of MIC, according to the NIA. The team had “a number of consultations and interviews with skilled workers in construction, mechanics, electricity, technicians, engineers and school leavers to share information that would better equip them to master their craft and acquire professional accreditation,” the release stated.
Following the training, the 15 selected will be able to teach these skills to other workers, Mr. Daniel said.
“(The NIA) decided that we are going to spend some time, effort and energy and money to develop the skills of the country and last year we had discussions with Metal Industries Company who are involved in construction and a whole range of other services,” Mr. Daniel said in the release. “What we are going to do is have a pool of highly trained people to meet the demand of the tourism industry.
“I want to say that training and equipping people is the best way you can ensure that people remain competitive. People are scared about Caribbean Single Market and Economy, but a good carpenter can never be scared about that because he can build roofs wherever he goes, he just has to maintain his standard. Part of the training is to ameliorate ourselves from that fear that we can’t compete and from the fear of other people coming to take our jobs,” he said.
Mr. Daniel explained how the 15 trainees will be chosen.
“They are selected based on interest and we are looking at the young people who have left the school system,” he said. “It’s a start. It’s critical to the construction industry.”
Those interested in the program should contact Mr. Alsted Pemberton at 469-1459, he said.
