No restriction on investment in education, says Jagdeo

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing educational opportunities for the nation’s youth, emphasising that no financial limits will be placed on ensuring they are equipped to lead Guyana’s future.

“There is no restriction on the amount of money we will spend on educating our people,” Dr Jagdeo stated while addressing students at a Youth Forum held during the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo.

The event provided secondary, tertiary, and technical students with a platform to engage directly with the Vice President, ask questions about the government’s oil and gas policies, and explore employment opportunities within the sector.

Responding to questions about the government’s investment priorities, Dr Jagdeo highlighted key areas such as healthcare, infrastructure, and housing, which he described as essential to sustaining national prosperity.

He underscored that a highly skilled workforce is critical to this development, which is why the government continues to expand educational opportunities and improve infrastructure across the country.

“We have made university education free—not just university, but this year, we removed fees from all technical institutes as well … because we believe that when young people are equipped with the right skills, they can prosper in the future,” he said.

Dr Jagdeo also pointed to several initiatives aimed at supporting youth education and employment, including the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), which has provided nearly 30,000 Guyanese with tertiary education through leading global institutions.

Additionally, programmes such as Get Ready for Opportunities to Work (GROW), the Women’s Innovation & Investment Network (WIIN), and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) have collectively benefited approximately 50,000 Guyanese.

When questioned about the government’s stance on environmental protection, Dr Jagdeo assured students that oil and gas production would not come at the cost of the country’s natural beauty.

He emphasised that revenue generated from the sector would aid in climate change adaptation, drive prosperity, and support investments in other industries.

He also highlighted that Guyana’s development policies align with the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, a framework designed to ensure sustainable economic growth while minimising environmental impact.

The Vice President further noted that the government is investing across multiple sectors to create a diversified economy capable of sustaining long-term growth.

He encouraged young people to take advantage of opportunities in technical fields such as engineering, welding, and support services, which offer lucrative career prospects in the evolving job market. (DPI)