Dear Editor,
Guyana is on the cusp of transformation though oil and gas. But will we have the manpower and skills to benefit from it? There is not just ignorance about the new reality but also little attempt to acquire the skills. Here’s a radical plan. A CRASH course for all and sundry. An Open Oil Academy. Take over one of the new skyscrapers in Camp Street, hire quickly from Guyana and further afield experts in oil engineering, technology, marketing, accounting and more.
One floor per field of study. Invite all and sundry with some certificates to apply to join from January 1st 2023. No fees. Some in person attendance but much of it online (Use the 50-year-old British Open University as an examplar). Regular testing and culling of students. At the end of 2023 they have a Certificate of Competence in their chosen sub field to offer to employers.
Then the next cohort starts on January 1st 2024 and so on. Spend the Wealth Fund wisely Brigadier-General Joe. Build up the skills. Otherwise, as before, Guyanese will be at the back of the queue. Needs imagination and willpower. Plenty. You have the money.
Sincerely,
John ‘Bill Cotton/Reform’ Mair
