April 8, 2022, Bridgetown, Barbados
Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda availing themselves of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Certification through a new European Union-financed project, will benefit from increased employment opportunities across CARICOM. According to Honourable E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, the new project managed by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will “assist in closing an existing developmental gap, which has constrained the labour force and hindered the mobility of nationals to capitalise on employment opportunities at the national and regional levels.” CARICOM has agreed to the movement of twelve categories of nationals including Artisans with Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs) and Household Domestics with CVQs or equivalent qualifications.
CDB Vice President of Operations Mr Isaac Solomon said the project “brings into sharper focus the need for, and value of, increased investment in education and skills training particularly in non-traditional areas.” EU Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska indicated that the “project will contribute significantly to the sustainable growth and development of the country. Benefits will include improved quality learning among youth, reduced unemployment among young people; greater inclusion of women in non-traditional TVET roles; improved access for persons living with disabilities; and the development of a highly skilled and credentialed workforce.” The two-year project is being implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, focusing on training individuals already established in particular fields without requisite TVET certification, and provides EUR 257,535 in Technical Assistance from the EPA & CSME Standby Facility.