“Any policy ramifications in Barbados must seek to reduce the growing and worrisome phenomenon of increasing youth unemployment.”
This assertion came recently from Minister of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development, Senator Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo, as she addressed the second breakfast meeting to discuss the draft National Human Resource Development (NHRD) Policy at the Radisson Aquatica Resort.
Dr. Byer Suckoo told the representatives from private and public sector agencies attending the meeting that the proposed NHRD policy came at a time when young Barbadians were facing rising levels of unemployment, and therefore offered a possible reprieve by creating opportunities for training and career advancement.
The aim of the policy, she explained, was to build a cadre of globally competitive citizens, catering to the youth, unemployed persons and those with special needs or disabilities.
The Senator continued: “A competent and robust workforce is the sine qua non for sustainable economic growth and releasing the potential of all Barbadians… Relevant competencies will fuel innovation and entrepreneurship…which are proven catalysts for increasing self-reliance, independence and employability.”
School leavers without workforce entry qualifications; graduates lacking communication skills; as well as adults hoping to chart a new career path, are also expected to benefit from the policy’s objective of lifelong learning.
The Labour Minister added that the policy would also allow persons to have access to a developing National Qualifications Framework, focusing on training areas including Film and Video, Animation, Events and Entertainment Technology and Crop Production.
