Agreement Reached for Temporary Recruitment of Cuban Workers to Bolster St. Kitts and Nevis’ Public Works Department

In a significant move to enhance public infrastructure, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has reached an agreement with the Caribbean Union of Construction Companies (UNECA) for the temporary recruitment of skilled workers from Cuba. This agreement seeks to fill critical vacancies at the Public Works Department (PWD) by allowing for the hiring of Cuban engineering professionals.

The agreement allows for recruiting workers for a service length of one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years. On November 2, 2024, four Cuban workers arrived in St. Kitts and Nevis, ready to contribute their considerable expertise to various PWD projects from November 4.

The team includes:

• William Jose Alvarez Rosabal, an architect boasting 18 years of experience who will bring his design skills and architectural insights to ongoing and future projects.
• Joaquin Milanes Perez, a veteran electrical engineer with 30 years of experience in civil construction.
• Meybis Negret Simon, a civil engineer with 36 years of diversified experience, specializing in project management, planning, and technical supervision.
• Manuel de Jesus Guilarte Campos, an engineer with 39 years of experience in the conservation and maintenance of highways, roads, and bridges.

The addition of these highly skilled professionals should expedite the completion of various PWD projects, significantly boosting the quality and efficiency of public infrastructure developments in St. Kitts and Nevis. The recruitment represents a strategic move to leverage international expertise for local needs while strengthening collaborative efforts in the Caribbean to enhance construction and engineering capabilities within the public sector.

Officials from the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis are optimistic that this partnership will not only fill immediate gaps but also foster knowledge exchange, enhancing the skill set of local workers at the PWD. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to developing robust infrastructure for national development.