ECONOMIC growth is a powerful tool for reducing poverty and improving the quality of life in developing countries such as Guyana. Over the years, research has shown that in order to achieve millennium goals that go beyond poverty, a well sustained economy is critical.

Growth of an economy stems mainly from job creation and job opportunities. The skills, knowledge and intellect that one has to have to provide goods or services to meet the demands locally or internationally are what constitute job creation. Intellectual minds are, therefore, crucial for developing countries like Guyana. While Guyana is notorious for its immeasurable natural resources, properly educated human resources are needed for sustainable utilisation and cultivation of these resources. Proper management of these resources is pertinent not only for sustainability, but also for long-term economic benefits.

Therefore, young professionals need to do away with the idea of having a better life abroad, and remain in Guyana to contribute their skills to enhancing economic development. The young minds need to contribute to Guyana’s history in developing the country’s resources in innovative ways, and assist Guyana in adapting to the changes of the future. The Diaspora also needs to return to contribute their skills and expertise in developing the country, as opportunities are being created for them in all sectors they may have an interest in.

The world’s competitive nature will also keep increasing, as innovative minds around the globe will generate ideas that will make life easier in ways for all which will be costly. As such, these innovative minds are needed to implement ideas that are in sync with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which means that our traditional operation mechanisms will eventually come to an end, as the cost of maintenance will not be economically viable.  Therefore, we have to prepare ourselves now to adapt to those changes that will unfold in the future, or we will not be able to move further up the chain in becoming a developed country. Guyana has to be able to become self-sustainable, and provide a better future for tomorrow’s leaders.

Bearing this in mind, Guyanese need to take steps in equipping themselves with the relevant skills and resources to take advantage of the opportunities that will unfold, and assist in developing the country.

Guyana’s education system has been lapsing tremendously over the years to improve the quality of output, and to expand the scope of reaching every populated area within the country. However, the $60.7 billion budgeted for 2021 (representing a 175.9 per cent increase from 2019), has introduced many initiatives to not only improve the quality of and access to education, but also expand the curriculum and making education more affordable for all, inclusive of at the tertiary level.

In spite of the numerous challenges faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, persons are still being afforded the opportunity to continue their studies online. This initiative, though it has its hiccups for some, creates an opportunity to adapt to a new forum of education, where they will be able to learn more in a convenient way.

One initiative implemented thus far is the introduction of “smart” classrooms. As the world is becoming technologically advanced and focussed, it is about time the younger generation be a part of this opportunity, so that they can cultivate and generate the necessary skills and knowledge in this arena.

The Guyana Leaning Channel is also being upgraded, so as to improve the quality of education it offers. Additionally, more channels and programmes are expected to be implemented, along with a radio station that will also assist in covering a wider scope of the country, especially the hinterland regions. Scholarships are also being offered by the government for persons to pursue diplomas and degrees so as they can specialise in their respective fields of interest. It can be seen that the government is creating opportunities to provide youths with the ability to improve their academic career, along with improving their knowledge on managing resources, making them better equipped in contributing to the development of the country.

These innovative minds, being a part of the development process of Guyana, are bound to boost growth in Guyana’s economy, as businesses will be opened to provide top notch goods and services locally and internationally.