–Training opportunities available in several areas − VP
Workers from the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) Uitvlugt Estate, who have been unable to work as a result of the factory experiencing mechanical problems will be provided with assistance from the government. The government’s generosity to the sugar workers was met on social media with concern from laid off public servants who themselves are battling economic and social hardships due to being laid off by the current government during the COVID pandemic.
Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo gave this assurance today when he met with the affected workers, to discuss ways in which the administration can provide support. Pointing to the current labour shortages, Vice President Jagdeo called on those in attendance to take advantage of training opportunities that are almost immediately available through the government.
Vice Presiden Jagdeo also urged the workers to take advantage of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships programme, and he acknowledged that transitioning to other professions is not easy but that the government is doing its best to keep the industry going because it understands the resulting socio-economic impact of closure. In response many public service employees noted that they too were citizens of Guyana and were experiencing hardships and many were confused about why they were not consider for grants for small businesses or job assurances. Among laid off public service workers and struggling vulnerable families is the creeping realization that the government appears not to care about their plight.
The Vice President pledged the government’s commitment to working with each sugar worker individually to find the best alternative to ensure they remain employed. Small grants are also available to those who want to start small businesses.
The Vice President was accompanied by Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar.
