Expect the issue of the construction of the Marriott Hotel to be in the news for a while, since the political opposition is going to find all manner of imaginary reasons for so doing. Last Saturday’s issue of the Kaieteur News, illustrates this point. Via a headline that reads: “Gov’t. fuelling unemployment among youths-YCT”, the impression is conveyed that the unemployment of Guyanese as part of the Marriott  construction process will influence an existing unemployment situation among the nation’s younger generation. Is this really true, and even honest? No one doubts that there is an unemployment situation  in Guyana generally, one that also exists in other CARICOM nations as well, and even in the Western metropolises. But with specific emphasis on the local situation, the PPP/C Government, cognisant of this fact, has over the years mounted several initiatives, with regard to affording employment opportunities for the nation; but for  youths, especially.
One will agree, that the opposition-aligned Youth Coalition for Transformation (YCT) statement probably refers to school dropouts/unskilled youths, mostly. But this is the particular group which government has been assisting specifically, by way of several skills training programmes, whereby youth graduates either become self-employed, with financial assistance being given to commence their initiatives; or, being able to access employment otherwise.
 One only has to observe the many cosmetology parlours that have mushroomed throughout the City.  Young people are making use of the skills training opportunities offered by the government agencies. Are our  young people aware that IPED has a facility for assisting youths who may be desirous of entrepreneurial opportunities?
Then there is also the Board of Industrial Training that has been training youths in basic skills and technology. Many of these graduates are  now employed.
What the YCT must understand is that even carpentry done in today’s modern world, demands proper skills training, since  conscientious contractors have an obligation to produce quality work via competent workers. Moreover, construction has now become sophisticated that asks for modern approaches.
Then there is that category of youth, that rejects legitimate employment because it does not suit/meet his/her expectations, even when  they do not possess  academic qualifications or skills. There are many such, claiming unemployment.
Finally, there is the  other  category of youth that has other ideas about employment that are not legitimate. Would he/she accept  legitimate employment, if offered?
No one doubts that the  YCT may have the nation’s youth at heart. Very commendable; but they must be objective about the many positive changes that have been afforded young Guyanese, new opportunities at becoming worthwhile citizens.
The YCT, home to many young,  intelligent  Guyanese, is  allowing itself to be misled by the political opposition.