Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo, has wrapped up a significant official visit to Guyana, during which he took part in the 13th ILO Meeting of Caribbean Labour Ministers. This visit marks Mr. Houngbo’s inaugural trip to Guyana in his current capacity, shared the ILO via press statement.
The two-day event, themed “Decent Work for Resilience: Securing the Future of Caribbean Labour,” gathered Labour Ministers, senior officials, and various stakeholders from across the Caribbean, including Dominica’s Minister of State, Daren Pinard, to engage in discussions about regional matters, enhance collaboration, and outline a strategy for building a more equitable and sustainable labour environment.
During his keynote speech at the opening ceremony on April 7, 2025, Houngbo emphasized the ILO’s robust partnership with the Caribbean region.
“The discussions here at this 13th Caribbean Labour Ministers’ Meeting will help us identify the priorities we must set and the strategies we can adopt to effectively renew a new Social Contract as we prepare for the Second World Social Summit,” he stated. “I will stand with the Caribbean in ensuring that the realities of the subregion are prioritized within the ILO global agenda and beyond.”
A significant moment of the visit was the signing of Guyana’s third Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP). This tripartite agreement, witnessed by Mr. Houngbo, is part of Guyana’s aim to “promote decent work through employment creation, social protection, rights at work, and social dialogue”, according to the ILO statement. It was signed by representatives from the government, employers, and labour organizations, with ILO support.
On April 8, Mr. Houngbo engaged in high-level courtesy meetings with His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, and Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). These discussions reportedly emphasized mutual priorities and reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to addressing urgent regional and global issues, including climate change, labour migration, digital transformation, and the necessity for a just transition.
Throughout his visit, reports are that the Director-General’s interactions underscored the ILO’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation, enhancing social dialogue, and ensuring that Caribbean viewpoints are adequately represented in global policy discussions.
“As the region prepares for the 113th International Labour Conference and the Second World Social Summit, this meeting serves as a crucial step in aligning strategies and amplifying the Caribbean’s voice on the world stage”, said the ILO.
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