Based on public statements made by government officials, preliminary assessments and growth projections indicate that Guyana may need another 100,000 skilled workers over the next few years.

Last week, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG) Professor Paloma Mohamed told a GIPEX forum that existing data suggests that Guyana’s workforce may need some 30,000 to 50,000 people in the next five years.

What this signal is that there will be growing skills gaps here unless avenues of bridging those gaps, whether by developing the local population or attracting foreign skills, are pursued.

By the time this column is published, I should have completed my final, final examination for my undergraduate degree. Because many people around me- be it, family, colleagues, or friends- knew I was nearing the end of my degree, I’ve been constantly engaged on my plans for the future. And more often than not, I have been asked whether I plan to stay in Guyana or migrate to work/ further my studies.

And the more I am asked the question and forced to think about my post-university plans, the more I realise how differently I view Guyana and the development ongoing here now.

Several years ago, when I was just about to start sixth form, I was enthusiastic about eventually migrating for academic pursuits and/or my professional development. Admittedly, then, my aspirations were influenced by the many family members and friends who have migrated and been able to live seemingly well-off lives abroad.

Even though I knew I would always come back home, the allure of the opportunities that were (hopefully) available beyond Guyana’s shores lingered. Now, however, the allure for me is being part of the rapid pace of growth and transformation right here in Guyana.

As I wrote in a previous column, I’m sure that many of us- the young (and not so young) idealistic, optimistic Guyanese- picture ourselves as integral to the development of Guyana. I’m sure that many of us hope that we can provide the much-needed skills here.

Yet, the reality is that our country has long grappled with a phenomenon called “brain drain”, wherein much of the skilled human resources migrated, thereby diminishing the pool of skills and talent available in-country.

Based on the aforementioned projections alone, I am convinced of the crucial need for me, and so many others, to stay and clinch the opportunities that may become available to us.

But let me hasten to add that expected development (economic development, specifically) may not necessarily or automatically translate into gains for citizens. Expected gains may include increased employment opportunities, more social safety nets, or just generally, a higher standard of living that one might expect from some of the more developed migration destinations.

Additionally, a 2020 World Bank Publication titled: “A pivotal moment for Guyana: Realising the opportunities” noted that higher education in Guyana is both low and not well-aligned to the labour market needs.

Consequently, key interventions and considerations are needed to help develop, retain and attract the much-needed skills. That’s certainly a tall order- but not an impossible or impractical one.

Already, admittedly, there are some efforts underway. Take, for example, the impetus for pushing technical and vocational training and distributing scholarships through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL); these lend to the development of a more skilled population.

Then, let us consider the local content requirements of the new Local Content law as one of the more structured ways in which Guyanese skills are being developed (through knowledge transfer) and are harnessed.

With these efforts, I believe that there should be a greater focus on linking local labour market needs with training and clearly- defined provisions for Guyanese and by extension, Caribbean people to benefit. If this is not done, I fear we may end up in a situation where we are forced to import skilled labour while the local human resource pool remains largely untapped.

If you would like to discuss this column or any of my previous writings, please feel free to contact me via email: vish14ragobeer@gmail.com