Massiah Questions Decision to Import Skilled Labourers Without Local Data
Senator David Massiah has criticised the government’s decision to import skilled labourers into Antigua and Barbuda, questioning the lack of data to justify the move.
During his presentation in the Senate budget debate, the Minority Leader argued that the absence of updated labour force surveys and empirical evidence leaves the country ill-equipped to assess whether local skill shortages truly exist.
“What sort of evidence do we have to suggest that the construction industry in Antigua is so lacking in skilled labourers that we must open the floodgates to foreign workers?” Massiah asked.
The senator pointed out that the last labour force survey was conducted in 2018, leaving a significant gap in understanding the nation’s unemployment and underemployment levels.
He argued that without current data, policies surrounding workforce development and employment are being made blindly.
Massiah further expressed concern that importing foreign labour risks “marginalising Antiguans and Barbudans”, particularly young people who are unable to find jobs despite completing their education.
He urged the government to prioritise local employment and ensure that decisions are guided by accurate and up-to-date statistics.
“Too many young people are graduating and saying they cannot find jobs. Where is the plan to address that?” he added.
The senator also called for a comprehensive workforce strategy, including an updated labour force survey, population census, and poverty assessments.
He said these tools are essential for formulating policies that can genuinely improve employment outcomes and address gaps in the labour market.
Massiah’s remarks come amid growing debate on the government’s plans to bolster the labour force to support major construction projects.
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Massiah just ‘fraid he wouldn’t be able to control and manipulate imported labour as he does the dotish, partisan Antiguans and Barbudans!
Using his low-lying position in the ILO hierarchy, he tried to score cheap points about Antigua’s being blacklisted by the said organisation for its anti-labour practices, yet he FAILED to produce a single document from the ILO to support his claim.
Massiah, we know that you represent the UPP, so anything, everything, coming from your mouth is highly suspect and in all probability, a damn lie!!!
Indigenous Antiguans are suffering under this wicked ALP government. More foreigners coming to thief money and food out of the hands of Antiguans. Antiguans starving under this ALP government.
Mr. Massiah is right that proper studies should be carried out to determine how many persons, how skilled, in what areas, are there any interested unemployed persons who could be trained and then work under the more seasoned persons, how much will it cost for training, how long will it take, what is the current level of demand or backlog for housing and other infrastructure etc… before making final decisions on this matter. On the other hand, perhaps the powers that be and leaders in those industries know through the grapevine approximately what those different numbers look like.