There will be a special emphasis on youth development in this year’s budget, according to Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill, who has announced plans to revamp the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency to match job seekers and employers.
In his address at the 43rd Republic Anniversary flag raising ceremony held last Friday in Region Four, Edghill said a number of programmes aimed at boosting youth development and efficiency in government agencies, like the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) will be pursued under this year’s national budget, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.
In addition to the revamping of the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency, he also said plans are also in train strengthen the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and boost its efficiency and marketing of skilled and unskilled workers, and to ensure that youths are trained in entrepreneurial skills.
“We don’t just want students studying sociology; they need to have the necessary skills to work in the oil and gas industry,” Edghill said, explaining that infrastructure development on the coastland is being affected due to skilled labour operators moving to work in the interior.
There are also plans to develop young professionals at the University of Guyana (UG), which will be boosted with online programmes that will allow persons to pursue degrees at their leisure.
“A special programme focused primarily on hinterland communities, especially youths, and sports facilities will continue to be upgraded and established,” the minister said.
Further, training to advance administrative efficiency at the NIS will also be conducted this year. One designed to boost public servants’ efficiency will also be introduced.
In addition, a farmers’ fertiliser and planting materials facility will be launched to assist in food production and strengthening food security.
Edghill said that the sugar industry will see developments, including mechanisation and other measures aimed at reducing production costs so that Guyana can become more competitive on the world market. The minister said over the last six years, Guyana has recorded positive economic growth at an average of five per cent, while many countries are facing hardships.
Also, in the renewable energy sector, programmes will be designed to ensure the use of renewable energy in industry, business and households. Tax reform is also another government priority aimed at improving economic growth and broadening the tax base.
