Government Told to Halt Importation of Artisans

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Business News

Monday, 19 November 2012 02:30

By Carol Williams

Antigua St. John's - The head of the Plumbers Association is demanding that government stop importing artisans, warning that Antigua & Barbuda stands to risks being overrun by the free movement of qualified, certified and licensed individuals from outside the country.

Instead, Association President Donald Hill said the focus should be on providing the necessary resources to help certify and license local artisans to ensure the skills continue to survive.He has challenged the Ministry of Labour and the Labour Department to step up to the plate and create the avenues to protect and provide gainful employment.

"It is incumbent on the relative authorities to develop databases and halt the imported labour if we are to protect a diminishing trade," Hill advised. "The skill is not being replenished at a rate for sustainable growth. We ask that you look more seriously at what is happening and act accordingly. It is indeed a fact that many years ago we exported artisans. Now we are importing. What is really going on?"

The president made the comments days ago at the first-ever graduation ceremony of 11 people who successfully passed proficiency exams organised by the Plumbers Association. Plans are being made for an Apprenticeship Programme that could be use as a pilot for plumbing and other related trades.

Hill urged the authorities to move more rapidly to qualify and certify those who are in need of National Vocational Qualification and Caribbean Vocational Qualification. "We stand to be overtaken by the free movement of qualified, certified and licensed individuals from beyond our shores," Hill noted. "We ask that the appropriate amount of necessary resources be set aside for the 80 per cent of the population by investing more heavily in Vocational Training and the National Training Agency."

Concern was also raised about the delay in bringing the Plumbers Act of 2008 and the Contractors Act to Parliament for passage. That issue was also raised by Laurent Gilkes, President of the Contractors Association.

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