Dear Editor,
The problem of unemployment among the young people of this country is growing at a very fast rate, and it is time that they demand that the government create jobs for them.
Since 1992 the PPP/C government had promised to reduce unemployment and create jobs for the jobless. It is now 2008 and citizens are yet to see any major investment that would create jobs. Unemployment among the youths is driving many of them into frustration and in doing so they get themselves involved in illegal activities.
Many young people believe that this country does not have a bright future for them and are in search of greener pastures. Whether they are qualified or not, there are young people who are willing to do anything to get out of Guyana. The long lines at the passport office are testimony to this fact. With the opening up of the Caribbean countries through the CSME many of our young people would soon find themselves in the small islands seeking employment. Already Trinidad and Tobago is seeking all categories of workers for their booming economy and I’m certain that thousands of our citizens will join the thousands of Guyanese that already live in the twin Island Republic.
The government must create an atmosphere that would allow big investors to come to Guyana. They must create duty free zones that would attract multi-national corporations. This would certainly allow hundreds if not thousands of our citizens to gain employment.
Yours faithfully,
Clive Fredericks