$23.7M contract signed to repair BIT Learning Centre at Unity

Aug 08, 2023 News

Kaieteur News – The Ministry of Labour on Monday signed a $23.7 million contract for the rehabilitation of a Board of Industrial Training (BIT) Learning Resource Centre and at a cutting-edge Welding and Fabrication facility at Unity, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton (right) stands alongside Permanent Secretary, Bishram Kuppen as he hands over the $23.7 million contract to Perba Trading and Construction on Monday. (Photo courtesy, DPI)

The contract was awarded to Perba Trading and Construction and was signed in the presence of Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton, Permanent Secretary, Bishram Kuppen, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Denise Sealey, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BIT, Saskia Eastman – Onwuzirike and other officials.

Upon completion, it is expected that the residents of Unity and surrounding communities on the ECD will benefit from the rehabilitated Learning and Resource Centre and the welding and fabrication facility.

At the contract signing, it was disclosed that with training to commence in 2024, the building will facilitate welding programmes at the highest level and will also ensure that all skilled tradesmen are correctly re-trained and officially certified.

It also aligns with the Government’s manifesto to providing technical and vocational training programmes to fulfill the country’s skilled labour needs, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

Minister Hamilton noted that it is an important initiative that will significantly help in changing the lives of people.

The facility will be built in accordance with the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs) standards, Kaieteur News understands.

During the budget estimates back in January, some $139 million was set aside to construct and rehabilitate several training centres across the country.

“The intention for the Unity building is to utilise it as a training centre to certify and accredit persons who already have a skill. So, we have persons who are carpenters, masons, and electricians who don’t have the requisite certification and qualifications,” he had told the Committee of Supply.

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(CEO) of BIT, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Bishram Kuppen, Denise Sealey, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Hamilton, Permanent Secretary, Saskia Eastman

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