Minister Highlights Challenge Of Finding Skilled Workers

Labour Minister Dr. Virginia Albert Poyotte highlighted the disparity between the demand for and supply of skilled workers in an address Monday to launch Labour Day activities. The veteran former trade union leader pointed to the free movement of labour within and from outside the region in emphasising the problem. “We are already anticipating a challenge coming in the next few months where the demand for skilled workers will be higher than the supply,” Albert-Poyotte stated. She hoped the Department of Labour could play a more significant role in becoming a clearing house, assisting people seeking employment and helping employers who want the best workers. The Babonneau MP observed that many people are unemployed while jobs are available. Nevertheless, Albert-Poyotte explained that sometimes unemployed individuals do not have the required skills. She disclosed that she has many work permit applications to approve for non-nationals. “The question is, ‘Do we have the persons with the skill set in Saint Lucia to do the work that is required? Are we doing due diligence in ensuring that we search for the persons here and give priority so that at least they are gainfully employed?'” Albert-Poyotte said. “We may have to issue a policy...