ON the occasion of World Population Day 2025, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, reaffirmed the Government of Guyana’s commitment to investing in and empowering the country’s young people, describing them as essential drivers of national transformation.
The global observance, held under the theme “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world”, provided the platform for Singh to deliver a detailed and passionate reflection on the administration’s expansive efforts to centre youth in the country’s development.
“Our government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the development, empowerment, and well-being of our nation’s young people,” Singh declared.
“This government firmly recognises the vital role of young people in driving and benefitting from the transformative development and unprecedented progress taking place in our country today. These developments create enhanced opportunities and a brighter future for every citizen.”
He noted that the government’s efforts to protect and restore democratic rights have helped lay the groundwork for this transformation, arguing that inclusive governance has positioned youth at the centre of national policy-making and development planning.
According to Singh, the restoration of democracy has done more than secure the right to vote—it has created an environment where young people are truly empowered to shape the course of the nation.
“By restoring democracy and returning the fundamental right to choose one’s government to all Guyanese, especially the youths, we have created an enabling environment that supports personal growth, drives community development, and fuels national progress,” he emphasised.
Singh said this year’s theme is not just inspiring but deeply aligned with the administration’s long-standing development goals, especially as they relate to education, health, employment, and family-building. He noted that young people represent a significant and vibrant portion of Guyana’s population, and, as such, their voices and aspirations must take centre stage in shaping the country’s future.
“Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous, and inclusive Guyana,” he stated. “We remain steadfast in creating an environment where every young person can build the future they envision with confidence and support.”
Reflecting on the government’s strategy, Singh spoke about the integrated approach to youth development, which relies heavily on sound fiscal planning and strategic investments across multiple sectors. He pointed to the unprecedented scale of resources being channeled into education, noting that the government views education as one of the most powerful and transformative tools available to uplift young people.
He recalled the administration’s major move to abolish tuition fees at the University of Guyana earlier this year, which he described as a fulfillment of a key promise and a turning point for tertiary education access in the country. Singh said this bold policy change, coupled with ongoing student loan write-offs, has already impacted thousands of lives and will continue to reshape Guyana’s human capital.
According to him, the government has exceeded its commitment by awarding over 39,000 scholarships to Guyanese citizens through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) initiative since taking office, surpassing the initial target of 20,000 scholarships.
This year, more than 9,000 scholarships have been awarded.
The minister noted: “Education is one of the most powerful tools a government can use to empower its young people. Since assuming office in 2020. We have invested heavily in this sector with over $433 billion spent from 2020 to 2024, and $175 billion budgeted for this year.”
But beyond formal education, Singh stressed that empowering youth also means providing them with tangible opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. He spoke of targeted training programmes that have helped equip unemployed youth across the country with technical and life skills, enabling many to enter the workforce or start their own businesses.
Among the skills training initiatives, he stated, is the life-changing Youth Skills Training Programme, which empowers unemployed youth with hands-on skills in areas such as carpentry, masonry, electrical installation and plumbing. Through community centres and youth-friendly hubs, this initiative has trained hundreds of young people annually, helping them to access sustainable employment or start their own ventures.
He singled out the revival and expansion of youth apprenticeship initiatives in the hinterland regions, describing these programmes as transformative. Singh highlighted the importance of ensuring that every young Guyanese, regardless of geography, has access to the tools and training necessary to succeed.
The government’s investments in health were also highlighted as a critical part of its empowerment strategy. Singh explained that expanding access to quality healthcare is central to building families and nurturing a healthy population. He spoke of major infrastructure upgrades underway in the sector, the use of technology to reach remote communities, and new voucher systems designed to eliminate cost barriers to essential services.
“These facilities ensure that young people and growing families can access world-class medical treatment and care,” Singh said, referencing the construction of new hospitals and the expansion of the telemedicine programme. He also lauded the introduction of services such as reproductive health support and preventive checkups, which he said are necessary for building a fair and hopeful future.
In discussing access to housing, Singh expressed pride that a majority of houselots allocated since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration took office have gone to young people. He said this reflects the government’s recognition that a home is not merely a place to live, but a foundation for opportunity and generational wealth.
“Since assuming office, 53 percent of all houselots were allocated to young people between the ages of 21 to 35. We are ensuring that youth not only have a roof over their heads, but a stake in Guyana’s future,” Minister Singh reminded.
“Our people are Guyana’s greatest resource. Our government continues to invest in our citizens and youths through the aforementioned programmes, in addition to various others such as the $100,000 cash grant for every Guyanese 18 years and older, the cash grant for every newborn baby and the $10,000 income tax deduction per month per child initiative. These initiatives support and empower our youths to build and create families in our progressive and prosperous One Guyana.”
The minister placed strong emphasis on the role of accurate data in shaping effective policy. He praised the work of the Bureau of Statistics and Guyana’s broader National Statistical System, noting that good data helps ensure that interventions are responsive and that no young person is left behind.
“These programmes all rest on the foundation of accurate, timely, and reliable data,” he said. “Whether it’s school enrollment rates, youth unemployment figures, or health outcomes, quality data ensures that decisions are targeted, inclusive, and impactful, ensuring no one is left behind.”
As he brought his message to a close, Singh issued a call to action for young people to actively engage in building Guyana’s future. He emphasised that their ideas, contributions, and leadership are needed now more than ever as the country continues to rise on the global stage.
“I call on all young Guyanese to step up, share your ideas, and play an active role in shaping the future of our nation,” Singh urged. “Your voices matter in every aspect of our national dialogue. Together, we are building a Guyana that empowers its youth not only to dream but to realise those dreams.”