Dear Editor,
Two weekends ago, Irfaan Ali, during his visit to Leopold Street in Georgetown, utterly exposed that his government has no plan for the development of youths in Guyana. Mr Ali promised jobs to 50 or so youths in the area in housing construction—but, he said, only if they have the “right” skills. He apparently ignored those who may have other skills and interests.
But Mr Ali reportedly hatched a plan should the youths of Leopold Street lack the “right” skills. On the spot, he instructed his Minister of Home Affairs and the Commissioner of Police to immediately organise a two-week training for interested persons. What! The Minister of Home Affairs and the Commissioner of Police! Is the government serious? Where is the portfolio minister? Ridiculous!
This is a classic example of the PPP government’s harum-scarum, haphazard, and ineffectual planning. For its information, a youth employment scheme should be national in scope and form part of a larger youth policy. Job training should be continuous, be designed to include both technical and soft skills, and be in sync with individual inclinations and national development needs. Trainees should be given stipends to cover transportation and other basic upkeep. The scheme must cater for both males and females. And, importantly, young people must not have to await a visit by a Minister or President to hear about job and training opportunities. In a proper youth employment scheme, information must reach young men wherever they live or congregate.
We can go on. But, it is obvious that none of these basic planning elements was on display during the PPP’s Leopold Street visit. The youths of Guyana deserve far better. The people of Guyana deserve better.
As youths and the rest of Guyana await a caring and competent government, we can only advise the young men on Leopold Street to meanwhile make the most of the few opportunities that do become available.
Yours faithfully,
Sherwood Lowe
