THE act of dismantling the Guyana National Service (GNS) in 2000 was akin to throwing out the baby with the bathwater.

No one denies this institution attracted condemnations — political and cultural — and allegations of sexual misconduct among ranks and by the authorities. That being said, the time may be now to revisit the utility of resuscitating the GNS, of which an immediate benefit would be the creation of employment.

President Granger, in his address to Parliament last Thursday, reminded the nation that in 1964, two years before Independence, unemployment was at 22 per cent. It meant that with the establishment of new government institutions, inclusive of the GNS, the unemployed had opportunities for employment. Direct employment would have also created economic opportunities and employment for others, to satisfy increasing disposable income and the providence of goods and services. A 2015 Caribbean Development Bank Report advised that youth unemployment in Guyana is hovering around 40 percent. It is no secret that persons are graduating from various institutions of learning and cannot find jobs. The truth also is not everyone can be self-employed, so there is still a demographic whose need for work has to be met.

The recent crimes in which young people are allegedly involved have created outcries from various quarters. Though some saw these to be ashamed of country, seek political mileage, or as evidence that Guyana has no hope, while understandable in moments of grief, desire for power, or in the presence of pessimism, the fact remains that lives are being lost in ways that can be avoided. In April, the Police’s Report showed violent crimes down by 19 per cent, compared to the same time last year. But this statistic is meaningless to those who cry shame on Guyana, see political opportunities, and the anxious among us. This, too, is understandable. Every man, woman and child wants to live to a ripe old age, even though, unfortunately within these said groups, some will take the life of another.

The youth are the leaders of today and tomorrow. They are the ones who will build on the present foundation and hand over to future generations. Given this reality, ways and means have to be found to channel their energies in avenues that will redound to productivity for themselves and country. At this impressionable stage of life, guidance and positive role models are needed. Where persons have erred or fallen short, they need opportunities for rehabilitation and second chances. Where forces serve as role models, it should be recognized that not at all times are their pursuits legitimate and socially acceptable.
Where instant gratification is admired, crime is glamourised, the corrupt is perceived to be allowed to walk free, intolerance for the other earns kudos, leaders fail to deliver leadership, and parents/authority treated with contempt, such means that discipline, law and order will be tested and disregarded. This is not to say these negative have consumed all, but it needs to be recognised that it takes a village to raise a child, borrowing from the African proverb.

The concern is real that young people are not being allowed to channel their energies and unleash potentials to the fullest and for the common good. In this instance, even the employed and law-abiding are affected. National Service can fill a gap here. In addition to creating employment, new skills can be acquired, creating a new cadre of workers to satisfy the green collar job market, given the Green Economy focus. With border conflicts with Venezuela and Suriname, the practicality of having those environs peopled was aided by GNS centres. Allegations of sexual misconduct or disregard for cultural diversity can be addressed through policies, laws and best practices of institutions and societies. The GNS can be resuscitated consistent with modernity and the nation’s focus, four of which are employment, crime reduction, sustainable development, and safeguarding sovereignty.

Finally, outstanding citizens have served in the GNS, and some are Major General Joe Singh, its Director General (DG), who went on to be Chief of Staff of the GDF; Captain Gerry Gouveia, CEO of Roraima Holdings; Colonel Desmond Roberts, the young officer who hoisted the Golden Arrowhead on 25th May 1966 and went on to be a DG; and Second Lady Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo.