Dear Editor,
PRESIDENT Irfaan Ali’s government is actively implementing programmes and strategies to enhance human resources and development in response to Guyana’s evolving economic landscape.
Recognising the skills gap as a barrier to economic growth, the government is addressing both short-term labour demands and long-term human resource development to support the Guyanese economy.

Evidence of the skills gap is highlighted in a recent article from Stabroek News (1/14/2025), which reported that Guyana’s Ministry of Home Affairs issued approximately 13,713 work permits in 2024, a significant increase from 4,795 permits in 2023—an 185 per cent rise.
This surge reflects the country’s economic growth and the increasing demand for skilled labour. These permits were granted to around 25 companies, showcasing the diversity of investors in the labour market.

This increase also demonstrates the government’s commitment to streamlining processes to enhance productivity and swiftly respond to labour market shortages, ensuring industries have the workforce they require.
The interconnection between economic development and human resources is evident in Guyana’s rapidly changing economic environment.

President Ali has reiterated that the long-term vision includes enhancing human capital through education and training to support economic diversification beyond the oil sector.
He emphasises: “Human development is not just about economic growth; it’s about improving the quality of life for our people, ensuring that every Guyanese has access to opportunities, education, and the ability to realise their potential.”
This quote encapsulates his administration’s commitment to prioritising human capital development as integral to national progress, particularly amid economic changes and the goal of expanding into industries beyond oil and gas.

To bridge the skills gap and meet labour market demands, the government is enhancing vocational training programmes to equip Guyanese citizens with essential skills in key sectors such as construction, oil and gas, agriculture, and mining.
Initiatives like the GOAL programme facilitate collaborations with private sector companies and educational institutions, providing tailored training focused on industry-specific needs.
Additionally, the government offers scholarships for students pursuing degrees in fields aligned with national development goals, particularly in STEM disciplines.

As of 2023, the Ministry of Education announced that over 22,000 scholarships under the GOAL programme had been awarded since its inception, targeting diverse disciplines including education, health sciences, information technology, business management, and engineering.
President Ali’s administration is also pursuing economic diversification strategies to foster growth in agriculture, tourism, and information technology, aiming to create a broader range of job opportunities while reducing reliance on the oil sector.

In agriculture, the government focuses on cultivating high-value crops such as rice, sugarcane, mangoes, coconuts, and vegetables to meet local and international demands. These initiatives will require new skills and training for Guyanese workers.

To address immediate labour market shortages, the government is engaging regional partners to enhance knowledge exchange and skill development, as evidenced by recent job fairs held in Miami, New York, Toronto, and Suriname.
Reports indicate that these fairs attracted hundreds of individuals, with employers from Guyana traveling to recruit talent. The job fairs in Miami, New York, and Toronto drew thousands of Guyanese expatriates seeking employment, with over 2,000 attendees in New York alone.

The Suriname job fair also attracted a substantial crowd, with participation from over 75 companies from Guyana. These numbers clearly illustrate the supply and demand inequities of skilled labour in Guyana.

The government’s holistic strategy ensures that economic development translates into tangible benefits for the Guyanese people, allowing them to share in expanding economic opportunities through training, retraining, and retooling.

By preparing the workforce for future challenges and opportunities, President Ali’s government is creating a skilled labour force that not only meets current demands but is also ready for the evolving economic landscape beyond the oil and gas industries.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tilokie Arnold Depoo
Economist