BUDGET 2023: Four new call centers for Essequibo, Berbice

Talks of new call centers to be set up in Guyana will come to fruition this year with the government promising a total of four new call centres for Essequibo and Berbice in its 2023 National Budget.

This intervention is expected to increase employment in this industry by 800, with the potential to scale up to 1,600, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh said during his budget presentation on Monday in the National Assembly.

He said the government will continue its engagement with the industry to make Guyana a preferred destination for investors operating BPOs, as well as for companies placing business with BPOs in Guyana.

“In alignment with our diversification agenda and commitment to create 50,000 jobs, government continues to support and foster the expansion of the BPO industry.

“This industry has vast potential to create substantial employment within and beyond the traditional urban centres, and has recorded tremendous success in bringing women into the workforce,” Dr. Singh said.

He explained that it also provides important training and skills that are transferable across other areas in the economy.

Dr. Singh said while deliberate callous action of the previous administration led to the closure of a growing call centre in Linden, since August 2020, over 1,800 new BPO jobs have been created.

“…as a direct result of Government’s intervention to create a supportive environment, engage investors, and decrease the cost of operation. Notably in 2022, the shuttered call centre was reopened in Linden, and has already employed over 100 young Lindeners. This was followed by the establishment of another call centre which commenced operations in Essequibo,” Dr. Singh detailed.