The Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) made a bold appeal to young people at the Guyana National Youth Council’s (GNYC) Voter’s Symposium on Friday, calling for a new era of measurable youth empowerment, innovation, and inclusion in national development.
Held at Moray House in Georgetown, the symposium brought together youth leaders, civic organizations, and political representatives to address governance and the role of young people in shaping Guyana’s democratic future. Representing FGM was Randolph Critchlow, who underscored the party’s commitment to moving beyond political rhetoric. “Under an FGM government, youth empowerment will move beyond slogans and become measurable action,” Critchlow declared.
Key Points from FGM’s Youth Agenda:
1. Education and Skills for the Future
FGM pledged to expand access to free, technology-driven education for all children and young adults. Their plan includes nationwide digital access, modern learning tools, and fully funded, certified skills training programs—complete with stipends and startup toolkits.
2. Unlocking Youth Entrepreneurship
Barriers to youth business creation will be dismantled, FGM assured. A “One-Stop Youth Business Desk” is proposed to simplify business registration. In tandem, a Youth Startup Fund will offer grants and low-interest loans. Business incubators and mentorship programs will support young entrepreneurs from idea to execution.
3. Youth in Agriculture
The party outlined a fresh vision to modernize agriculture and attract young talent to the sector. Youth would gain access to land, financing, and agri-tech tools, transitioning from traditional farming to agripreneurship—including hydroponics, drone use, and value-added agro-processing. “Guyana can become the food basket of the Caribbean,” FGM said.
4. Empowering the Creative Sector
FGM emphasized the untapped economic potential of Guyanese youth in the arts. Their proposals include building Creative Hubs with studios and digital equipment, launching a Creative Youth Fund to support projects, and introducing reforms for copyright and royalty protections. The goal: to position Guyana as a global competitor in film, fashion, digital content, and animation.
Youth at the Center of Change
FGM’s message to young people was unapologetically bold: don’t just ask for a seat—build your own table. “Innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the arts—these are the tools with which Guyanese youth can secure their rightful place in shaping national progress,” the movement affirmed.
As the country moves closer to general elections, FGM has positioned itself as a youth-focused political force, pushing for systemic change that places young people not on the sidelines, but at the very heart of Guyana’s future—economically, culturally, and democratically.
