By Mark DaCosta-The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Coalition is set to officially launch its 2025 elections campaign today at the Square of the Revolution, where party leaders are expected to unveil an ambitious national job creation plan aimed at delivering near full employment within their first term in office.
Despite the remarkable economic growth spurred largely by the burgeoning oil sector, a significant portion of the population continues to experience unemployment and , raising critical questions about the distribution of wealth and opportunities in our society.
Recent assessments from the World Bank revealed a disheartening youth unemployment rate of 22.3 percent in 2024. This figure indicates that alongside the considerable number of jobless young people, many adults are also struggling to find stable employment. The reality of underemployment presents an equally troubling picture, as individuals often remain in jobs that do not fully utilise their skills or qualifications, or resort to irregular or part-time work just to make ends meet.
These patterns suggest that while gross domestic product (GDP) figures have soared, they do not necessarily translate into meaningful economic advancement or equitable prosperity for all citizens. Poverty remains a persistent issue as many citizens grapple with financial instability. Some may argue there are sufficient job opportunities available, yet the reality is more complex. Many prospective job seekers face barriers such as lack of specific skills, exclusionary employment practices, insufficient training programmes, and the high costs associated with travel and accommodation — particularly impacting Indigenous populations.
The APNU Coalition has signalled its commitment to overhaul the existing approach to national development by introducing a comprehensive job creation policy. Their plan is designed to provide employment to every able and willing citizen. The proposed measures include creating full-time positions for over 40,000 individuals, alongside addressing the needs of 15,000 part-time workers currently struggling with inadequate employment. The Coalition intends to implement a series of initiatives, including the awarding of thousands of small contracts for local projects that enhance community infrastructure and promote maintenance of public facilities.
Furthermore, significant investments in large-scale projects aimed at developing essential national infrastructure will be prioritised. Such endeavours include constructing inter-regional highways and enhancing drainage systems, with a firm commitment that foreign firms engage a higher proportion of local workers. Strengthening human resources across the public sector is another vital aspect, filling critical vacancies in education, healthcare, and social services to better serve the community.
Discussions on building a robust private sector are also central to the APNU’s vision. Streamlining taxation and establishing a Development and Investment Bank would make it easier for entrepreneurs to access capital. This effort would be backed by a dramatic increase in support for micro and small businesses through grants and low-interest loans.
In order to foster a more skilled workforce, the Coalition plans to offer affordable training opportunities that allow citizens to enhance their qualifications and gain relevant skills in a rapidly changing job market. Additionally, collaboration with the University of Guyana is anticipated to reform the GOAL scholarship programme, aiming to align educational outcomes with labour market needs and ensure graduates are job-ready.
Reducing the tax load on self-employed individuals is seen as critical in empowering local entrepreneurs to reinvest in their businesses and grow the economy. Upholding and enforcing local content legislation will further strengthen these initiatives, ensuring that opportunities are reserved for our country’s citizens.
The APNU Coalition firmly believes that all Guyanese deserve not only jobs but also employment that is fulfilling and adequately remunerated, allowing individuals to thrive while contributing to the nation’s growth. With these transformative proposals, the Coalition seeks to garner public support to realise a vision where every citizen can enjoy the dignity of work and a better quality of life. As our nation stands on the brink of massive change, the hopes for economic prosperity are intertwined with a unified effort to uplift all citizens for the betterment of our collective future.
