The Board of Industrial Training (BIT) has announced the appointment of its new Board for the 2026–2027 term, with business leader Kathy Smith making history as the first woman to serve as Chairperson in the institution’s 115-year history.
According to BIT, Smith was appointed by the Cabinet of the Government of Guyana and will lead the Board for the period January 23, 2026, to January 22, 2027.
Her appointment marks another major milestone in her career. In 2025, she also became the first female President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in the chamber’s 136-year history.
BIT said Smith brings decades of experience and knowledge to the post and is widely regarded as a prominent figure in the local business community and a strong advocate for private-sector development and economic growth.
The agency noted that her leadership and commitment to strengthening ties between industry and workforce development are expected to support the Board’s work as Guyana continues to expand its technical and vocational training capacity.
Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning Keoma Griffith has expressed confidence in the newly appointed Board, saying it will continue to strengthen BIT’s role in advancing national workforce development and expanding skills training opportunities across Guyana.
Under Smith’s leadership, BIT said the Board will continue to focus on strengthening technical and vocational education and training (TVET), addressing skills gaps through closer alignment with industry needs, and expanding partnerships with the private sector to support Guyana’s growing economy.
The new Board also includes Ganesh Singh as Vice-Chair. Other members are John Edghill, Andrea Benjamin, Yannick Garraway, Sheila Verasammy, Karen Roopchand, Desa Liverpool, Penelope Harris, Michael Turner, Krishn Sharma, and Suresh Singh.
The ex officio members are Indrani Ramnarine, Jainarine Sarjoo Sookpaul, and Richard Maughn.
BIT said it remains committed to its mandate to support technical and vocational education and training in Guyana through the development of a skilled, competent, and productive workforce.
