Attorney-at-law and APNU member Ronald Daniels is calling for an “honest conversation” about the economic realities facing young Guyanese, arguing that the country’s rapid economic growth is not translating into sufficient opportunities for the generation expected to inherit its future.
During a press conference today Daniels said that while Guyana is earning more money than at any other point in its history, too many young people still struggle to secure meaningful employment, afford housing, start businesses, and achieve financial independence.
“We need to have an honest conversation about young people in Guyana, because the story being sold to this country about unprecedented economic growth does not always match the reality being experienced by the generation that is supposed to inherit this country,” Daniels said.
He pointed to the difficulties faced by graduates and skilled professionals despite acquiring qualifications through government programmes, including GOAL Scholarships, are unable to secure employment in their respective fields.
“Engineers are taking jobs outside of engineering. Economists are working outside of economics. IT professionals are leaving the country or accepting positions unrelated to their qualifications,” he said.
According to Daniels, young people are encouraged to pursue education and acquire skills in preparation for future opportunities, but those opportunities are often unavailable, poorly compensated or, he claimed, inaccessible without political connections.
“That is a serious national problem,” he said.
Daniels also raised concerns about what he described as a growing perception that political loyalty is becoming a factor in accessing employment and other opportunities.
“We also need to confront the growing perception that political loyalty is becoming a currency for opportunity in Guyana,” he said.
He argued that young people should not have to demonstrate allegiance to a political party, participate in political activities or publicly endorse political figures in order to improve their chances of obtaining employment, contracts, appointments or other opportunities.
“If that perception is allowed to become the accepted reality, then we are not building a meritocracy; we are building a system of political patronage,” Daniels said.
“Young Guyanese should not have to choose between their political independence and their economic future.”
He argued that when trained young professionals leave the country because they cannot find suitable opportunities, Guyana loses not only workers but also the benefits of the education and resources invested in developing them.
“When a highly trained young Guyanese leaves because they cannot find an opportunity at home, Guyana loses more than a worker. We lose an investment made through years of education, family sacrifice and national resources. We lose talent, innovation and productive capacity,” Daniels said.
He added that issue is not a lack of ambition among young Guyanese, but whether the economy is creating sufficient opportunities for that ambition to result in sustainable livelihoods.
