DESPITE the proliferation of malicious rumours surrounding the government’s part-time job initiative, government has unequivocally confirmed the programme’s continuation and revealed plans for its expansion.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, at a recent press conference, acknowledged the misgivings expressed by some individuals regarding the initiative.

These doubts, he clarified, largely stemmed from the false claims that the programme was temporary and that workers would be laid off once the elections concluded.

Dr. Jagdeo vehemently denounced these “far-fetched theories” as baseless and reassured the public that the programme would not only continue, but also witness significant expansion.

Emphasising the government’s commitment to uplifting marginalised communities, special attention will be directed towards expanding the initiative in rural and hinterland areas. It is widely recognised that individuals residing in these regions often encounter challenges in finding regular employment and generating income. By extending the programme’s reach, the government aims to alleviate these difficulties and provide valuable job opportunities.

While maintaining the initial focus of increasing female participation in the workforce, the job expansion would accommodate a larger number of individuals empowering women through employment.

Earlier this year, the government introduced an additional 2,000 job opportunities through the part-time jobs initiative in the hinterland regions. Building upon the success of its launch in various coastal regions in 2022, the programme is now being implemented in Region One (Barima-Waini) and Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). Dr. Jagdeo had expressed his hope that participants in the part-time programme would take advantage of the available scholarship opportunities.

During his campaign trail, Dr. Jagdeo received numerous inquiries about the scholarship application process. Although several scholarships are advertised, the Vice President emphasised the government’s open-door policy, encouraging individuals to reach out for further information.

To foster diverse opportunities for Guyana’s youth, Dr. Jagdeo has proactively engaged with community groups, urging them to assemble individuals interested in vocational training in various fields such as welding, plumbing, and carpentry. The Vice President expressed his intention to implement these training programmes nationwide and eagerly anticipated the response from community groups, particularly those interested in the tech vocational sector.

The government’s unwavering commitment to the part-time job initiative and its expansion is evident through Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s resolute statements. By dispelling misconceptions and focusing on empowering marginalised communities, the programme aims to create a brighter future for Guyana’s workforce. With an emphasis on women’s participation, scholarship opportunities, and vocational training, the government endeavors to foster a society where all individuals can thrive and contribute to national development.

The government in 2022, launched a part time jobs initiative and employed thousands of people across the country. This initiative was expanded in 2023, with a total of $10 billion allocated.

In 2022, the government launched this initiative to help cushion the rising cost of living. Through this, one person per household was employed to work in public offices in close proximity to their homes for 10 days per month and earn $40,000.

This programme saw 11,000 people becoming employed in Regions Two, Three, Five, Six, Nine and 10. Some $2.3 billion was injected into the households.

This is in keeping with the PPP/C’s manifesto promise to provide 50,000 jobs within its first term in office.
Additionally, the government is encouraging beneficiaries of the programme to upskill themselves, so that they can eventually take up full-time employment as the labour market is confronted with a shortage of skills in certain areas.