–as economy expands, PSC executive member says

GUYANA’S rapid economic expansion has created an unprecedented demand for workers across multiple industries, leaving businesses grappling with a growing labour shortage, according to executive member of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Timothy Tucker.
Speaking on the Starting Point podcast on Sunday, Tucker said the country’s booming economy has generated employment opportunities well beyond the oil and gas sector, driving demand for skilled and semi-skilled workers in construction, transportation, mining, agriculture and other industries.
“We have a labour shortage,” Tucker said, noting that employers are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit workers to fill available positions.
Among the occupations experiencing the greatest demand are truck drivers, mechanics, electricians, plumbers, health and safety officers and quality-control specialists.
“We see something as simple as truck drivers being a high-demand job at the moment, that is paying extremely well,” he said.
“We see health and safety officers. We see quality-control people. Mechanics, electricians, plumbers.”
According to Tucker, the construction boom has also fuelled a sharp increase in demand for general labourers as both public and private-sector projects continue to expand across the country.
“Especially with the construction boom, you’re seeing a great demand for labourers as well,” he stated.
While foreign workers have entered Guyana to help address labour shortages, Tucker believes opportunities remain abundant for Guyanese seeking employment or considering entrepreneurship.
He said, “Yes, we have some number of foreigners coming in to help, but I believe that most Guyanese have the opportunity to either work in the industry or an associated industry, or you have the ability at this point to be an entrepreneur.”
Tucker argued that the country’s economic transformation is no longer being driven by a single industry, creating opportunities across a wide cross-section of the economy.
“You don’t have one sector pushing the country,” he said.
“The government is doing developmental aspects, but you have the oil and gas industry demanding international standards. It’s forcing local manufacturers to raise their game.”
Beyond oil and gas, Tucker identified mining, forestry and agriculture as sectors generating new business opportunities.
He noted that increased demand for goods and services has created openings for suppliers of fruits and vegetables, transportation providers and businesses supporting the country’s productive sectors.
“If you look at the market today, there are greater opportunities,” Tucker said.
He encouraged Guyanese to take advantage of the expanding economy by identifying unmet needs and developing businesses that fill those gaps.
“There’s nothing stopping you from being an entrepreneur,” he added.
“Keep your day job and work that side gig. Everything counts. You’ve got to diversify, look for your niche product or service and really try to fill the gaps in the market.”
Tucker stressed, however, that success requires planning and preparation.
He urged prospective entrepreneurs to conduct market research before launching businesses, arguing that understanding customer needs and industry trends is essential in a rapidly changing economy.
According to Tucker, Guyana’s current economic environment presents one of the best opportunities in decades for citizens willing to develop skills, pursue entrepreneurship or enter industries experiencing high demand.
“There’s opportunities all around you,” he said.
“You just have to look for them.”
The government has been expanding technical and vocational training, increasing tertiary-education opportunities and introducing skills-development programmes aimed at building a workforce capable of meeting the demands of Guyana’s rapidly growing economy.