Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has reiterated the government’s dedication to equipping Guyana’s youth with education and skills, ensuring they are prepared to lead the nation into the future.
Speaking at a Youth Forum during the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, Dr. Jagdeo engaged directly with students from secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and technical training centers. The interactive session provided a platform for young people to question the government’s policies on oil and gas and explore employment opportunities within the sector.
Responding to inquiries about investment priorities, the Vice President emphasized that healthcare, infrastructure, and housing remain key national development focus areas. He underscored that a well-educated workforce is crucial to Guyana’s long-term prosperity, which is why the government has prioritized expanding educational opportunities.
“We have made university education free. Not just university, but this year we removed fees from all technical institutes … because we believe that young people, if equipped with the skills … can prosper in the future,” Dr. Jagdeo stated.
Highlighting initiatives aimed at empowering the younger generation, he pointed to the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), which has provided nearly 30,000 Guyanese with tertiary education from leading global institutions. Additionally, he referenced programs such as the Get Ready for Opportunities to Work (GROW), the Women’s Innovation & Investment Network (WIIN), and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), which have collectively benefitted approximately 50,000 Guyanese.
“There is no restriction on the amount of money we will spend on educating our people,” VP Jagdeo affirmed.
Addressing concerns about environmental protection, he assured students that Guyana’s oil and gas production would not compromise the country’s natural beauty. Instead, revenue from the sector would support climate adaptation, drive economic prosperity, and expand investments in other industries.
“Producing oil and gas would help us to adapt to climate change. It would help us to drive prosperity and expand investments in other sectors. But it won’t destroy our country’s natural beauty,” he noted.
The Vice President emphasized that the government’s approach is guided by the expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which outlines a sustainable growth path while preserving the environment.
Dr. Jagdeo highlighted significant investments across multiple sectors to ensure economic diversification and long-term growth. He encouraged youths to explore opportunities in technical fields such as engineering, welding, and support services, where they can secure high-paying jobs and contribute to national development.