Minister of Labour and Social Partnership Relations, Colin Jordan. (FP)
Preparations are underway for Barbados’ representatives to actively participate in meetings of the International Labour Organization (ILO), with the Minister of Labour and Social Partnership Relations, Colin Jordan, set to lead the Government delegation.
The 109th Session of the International Labour Conference will be held virtually, starting with the opening sitting on May 20, 2021.
Between May 28 and June 19, Barbados’ tripartite delegation – comprising representatives of Government, Workers and Employers – will engage in a series of preparatory group meetings, as well as Committee and Plenary sittings to deal with items including the ILO’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.
The 109th Session will reconvene from November 25 to 11 December, with two working parties being convened to examine issues related to inequalities and the world of work, and skills and life-long learning.
Minister Jordan will lead the Government representatives at the meeting where Barbados will continue its role as Coordinator for the Group of Latin America and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC).
The Minister will also be integrally involved in electing the members of the Organisation’s Governing Body, for the term 2021-24. Barbados is seeking re-election, as a titular member, to this policymaking entity.
Minister Jordan will be working with colleagues from across the hemisphere and around the world to ensure a sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is recognised that women, youth, and persons operating in the travel and tourism sector are the most at risk from job losses and business closures. Building back better from the COVID-19 pandemic will therefore be a critical aspect of the global labour meeting.
The work of Minister Jordan and his team at the Ministry of Labour will continue to be bolstered, throughout the ILO Conference, by the work of the Ambassador and staff of the Permanent Mission of Barbados in Geneva.
From May 17-21, H.E. Ambassador Chad Blackman will move Barbados’ representational efforts into higher gear when he Chairs the ILO’s Technical Meeting On The Future of Work In The Education Sector, The Context Of Life Long Learning For All, Skills And The Decent Work Agenda.
The meeting will discuss labour and professional issues concerning education personnel with the aim of adopting conclusions, including recommendations for future action.
Specific focus will be on the impact of technology, labour market demands, and global trends in the work of persons in the education sector.
On May 20, Ambassador Blackman is scheduled to be elected as the Vice Chair of the 109th Conference and will be working to ensure a successful Conference for Barbados, the Governments, Workers and Employers of the Hemisphere and the world.
