Guyana’s Oil Wealth Must Create Real Opportunities for Young People- APNU

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has raised concerns about the economic prospects of young Guyanese, questioning whether the country’s unprecedented oil revenues and economic growth are translating into meaningful employment, affordable housing and better incomes for the younger generation.

The issue was raised at an APNU press conference on Friday, where Michael Richmond read a statement titled “Young People and the Politics of Guyana: Where Is Our Place in Guyana’s Development?”

APNU argued that while Guyana is experiencing rapid economic expansion and increased government revenues, many young people continue to face difficulties securing employment in their areas of training, establishing businesses, purchasing homes and achieving financial independence.

“We need to have an honest conversation about young people in Guyana, because the story being sold to this country about unprecedented economic growth does not always match the reality being experienced by the generation that is supposed to inherit this country.”

The partnership said the mismatch is particularly evident among young professionals, some of whom it said are working outside their areas of qualification or leaving Guyana in search of opportunities.

“We produce graduates and skilled professionals who cannot find employment in the fields in which they were trained. Engineers are taking jobs outside of engineering. Economists are working outside of economics. IT professionals are leaving the country or accepting positions unrelated to their qualifications.”

APNU also focused on concerns about political influence in access to jobs and other economic opportunities.

The partnership said there is a growing perception among young Guyanese that political connections can determine access to employment, contracts and appointments.

“Young people should never have to demonstrate allegiance to a political party, attend political activities, publicly endorse political figures or become politically connected simply to improve their chances of accessing a job, contract, appointment or other opportunity.”

APNU said such a system would undermine merit-based advancement and potentially force young people to choose between maintaining their political independence and improving their economic circumstances.

“A person’s qualifications should matter more than their political affiliation. Their competence should matter more than who they know. Their work ethic should matter more than whether they are prepared to pledge loyalty to those in power.”

The opposition grouping also questioned whether the government’s emphasis on GDP growth and oil production adequately reflects the economic conditions experienced by ordinary citizens.

“The government must answer a straightforward question: What is the point of an economy growing at record levels if young Guyanese cannot convert that growth into better lives?”

APNU said economic development should also be assessed by employment opportunities, wages, purchasing power and the ability of citizens to accumulate wealth.

The partnership pointed to the rising cost of food, rent, transportation, vehicles, housing construction and business start-up costs, arguing that these pressures are making it increasingly difficult for young professionals to establish independent lives.

“A young professional should not have to earn a degree, accumulate experience and work full-time only to remain financially incapable of renting a decent home, purchasing property, starting a business or supporting a family.”

APNU further warned that continued migration by skilled young Guyanese could undermine the country’s long-term development.

The partnership said when trained professionals leave Guyana because they cannot find suitable opportunities, the country loses the benefits of years of education and investment in those individuals.

Against that backdrop, APNU called for young people to be treated as an economic priority rather than primarily as an electoral demographic.

It proposed a national framework focused on youth employment, professional advancement, entrepreneurship, affordable housing, access to financing and fair recruitment practices in both the public and private sectors.

The party also called for greater transparency in public appointments and employment, stronger protection against political discrimination and salaries that better reflect the cost of living and productivity.

“Most importantly, we need to restore the principle that you should not have to know the right person, support the right party or demonstrate loyalty to the right political camp to get ahead in your own country.”

APNU maintained that the country’s natural-resource wealth should produce opportunities accessible to young Guyanese regardless of political affiliation.

“Guyana belongs to all of us.

Its natural resources belong to all of us.

Its opportunities must therefore be accessible to all of us.”

The party said young Guyanese are prepared to work and contribute to national development, but should not have to compromise their political independence to access opportunities.

“We will not accept a Guyana where political loyalty becomes the price of economic opportunity.”

APNU said the ultimate measure of development should be whether a young Guyanese can remain in the country, secure employment in their chosen field, earn a decent income, afford a home, establish a business and build a future without having to surrender their political independence.