The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has distanced itself from comments made by the umbrella Private Sector Commission (PSC), which stated that “unemployment in Guyana is largely voluntary.”
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, newly elected President of the GCCI, Kathy Smith, said that while there is unemployment across the country, many job seekers lack the necessary skill set and are unable to fit into many of the available positions.
“I think one of the challenges our members have been facing is finding skilled labourers—not just skilled labourers, but also individuals who can function effectively in the workplace. People want jobs. They want jobs. But the difficulty lies in fitting themselves into some of the positions,” she stated.
She added that the oil and gas industry, in particular, is currently seeking skill sets that many Guyanese lack.
“One of the industries, of course, that is expanding aggressively is oil and gas. It has started to demand unique skills and qualifications, and while many young people are applying for jobs, they struggle to meet these industry-specific requirements. So, to say that they are at home, unwilling to work I don’t know if that is something we observe at the Chamber.
“Young people are telling me that some of the job vacancies being advertised are for positions they have never even heard of. They have never even heard of them. So, some of them have opted to return to school, and those who have a support system are able to do that”, she said.
Earlier this month, the PSC told a visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) team that unemployment in Guyana is “largely voluntary.”
A release from the PSC highlighted that every economic sector in Guyana is experiencing growth, driving an increasing demand for skilled labor. Additionally, the same release noted that past Chairman Ramesh Dookhoo stressed the necessity of targeted training programmes to equip the labour force with relevant skills.
The statement also referenced existing mechanisms for job seekers, such as the Ministry of Labour’s Job Bank and the Diaspora Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It further highlighted the government’s efforts to improve the governance environment through legislative advancements—such as arbitration laws—and streamline business operations via single-window platforms in trade and construction.
Despite public criticism of its statement that unemployment in Guyana is “largely voluntary,” PSC Chairman Komal Singh reaffirmed the Commission’s position earlier this week, stating, “We stand by this statement.” He added that, except for disabled individuals and single parents, jobs are available for all Guyanese and that there is currently a shortage of both skilled and unskilled labour.
