In 2005, over 90% of our construction placements in the Caribbean were international/European professionals. Today, the split is nearer 50% Caribbean, 50% elsewhere. Having spent 20 years recruiting in the Caribbean, one thing I’ve noticed is how construction recruiting has evolved over the years. With the UN projecting 2.5% growth for the Caribbean in 2025, and post-election US investment expected to boost development further, the construction sector stands at an exciting crossroads; it remains a mainstay of driving development in the region, but the way that we source talent has changed significantly.
How Times Have Changed
I still remember my first placement in the region back in 2005 – a British Quantity Surveyor heading to Antigua (Kier – a hotel for Sandals Resorts). Back then, if you needed specialized construction professionals, you automatically looked overseas. That was just how things worked.
Fast forward to 2025, and what a difference two decades make! These days, we’re seeing a much more balanced approach. Yes, international skills and expertise are still sought, but there’s also an impressive pool of Caribbean talent making waves across the region.
Moving Around the Islands – Not Always Plain Sailing
Here’s where things can get a bit frustrating. The Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) Certificate was supposed to make it easier for professionals to move between islands. A great idea; a bit like freedom of movement in the EU. However – several key players aren’t part of the game. The Turks and Caicos Islands and The Bahamas, while they’re associate members of CARICOM, aren’t in the CSME. Neither are the Cayman Islands or Bermuda. Additionally, there are sometimes headaches “proving” skills under the scheme when the worker clearly has valuable experience, but no degree.
Making it Work Anyway
Despite these hurdles, we’re seeing some real success stories. At Thatcher Associates, we’ve been connecting talent across the region in ways that would have seemed unlikely 20 years ago. Bahamian Quantity Surveyors are making their mark in Trinidad, Trinidadian Project Managers are leading teams in Jamaica, Grenadians are bringing their expertise to Barbados, and Caymanian professionals are thriving in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
And it’s not just about regional movement though. The Caribbean construction scene has become a true cultural and professional melting pot, with professionals from South Africa, Britain, America, Canada, and India all bringing their unique perspectives and expertise to the table. This mix of talent creates an incredibly rich working environment where different approaches and ideas come together.
What the Caribbean Offers
Let’s be clear about what makes the Caribbean construction sector special. It’s not just building structures on islands – the sector supports developing communities and creates resilient infrastructure that safeguards the future of the region, which is becoming much more important given climate change and the increasing frequency of hurricanes. Projects here offer unique opportunities to innovate and make a real difference. Plus, let’s not forget the obvious – working in paradise isn’t exactly a tough sell!
The region offers:
- Chances to work on diverse, cutting-edge projects
- Experience with climate-resilient construction
- Exposure to multiple markets and approaches
- A fantastic quality of life
- The opportunity to be part of rapidly developing economies
Looking Ahead
The construction industry in the Caribbean is at an exciting point. Yes, there are skills gaps to bridge, and yes, the process of moving talent around could be smoother. But we’re seeing more and more success stories of both regional and international professionals finding their place in the Caribbean construction scene.
The ILO and CARICOM are currently working on a study about labor movement in the region, and their findings (expected in April 2025) should give us even more insights into how we can make things work better.
We are currently anticipating skills shortages across all construction disciplines; Site and Project Management, Cost Management and Quantity Surveying.
Making the Right Hiring Choices
If you’re hiring in the Caribbean construction sector, choosing the right recruitment partner is crucial. At Thatcher Associates, we bring two decades of regional experience to every search. We understand the importance of both skills and cultural fit. We can start searches locally when appropriate and broaden our scope strategically to ensure the best match for your organization or project.
Whether you’re looking to hire locally, regionally or need to cast a wider international net, we’d be delighted to discuss your specific needs. Get in touch with John Thatcher or James Griffin at Thatcher Associates to learn more about how we can support your recruitment goals in the Caribbean construction sector.
Contact Us
📧 John Thatcher: [email protected]
📧 James Griffin: [email protected]
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