Government and private-sector leaders are continuing discussions on the country’s labour shortage, with particular concern about the lack of workers in construction and agriculture.
Speaking on NBC Radio’s Morning Cup programme on Wednesday, January 29, Minister of National Security, Disaster Management and Immigration, St. Clair Leacock, said the issue is not a lack of jobs, but a lack of willingness among some able-bodied individuals to take up available work.
According to the minister, employers are actively searching for workers, while many people remain unemployed for reasons unrelated to job availability. He described this as a disconnect between those who need workers and those who say they want jobs.
“You can’t have one group saying ‘I need’ and another saying ‘I want,’ without bringing the two together,” Leacock said.
The minister noted that he has raised the issue repeatedly while engaging with constituents and said he intends to take a more direct approach with young men who remain idle in their communities.
“If I see young men on the block, I’m going to ask why they are not working,” he said. “And if the response is that they can’t find a job, I’ll point them to opportunities in construction, masonry, agriculture, or training programmes that can help them develop skills.”
Leacock stressed that employment opportunities exist and encouraged young people to move away from inactivity and take advantage of work and training options that can improve their livelihoods.
Private-sector stakeholders have consistently raised concerns about labour shortages, warning that the issue continues to affect productivity and development in key industries.
