– as young people urged to build skills for emerging opportunities

Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith and Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs have urged young Guyanese to equip themselves with marketable skills through training while taking advantage of growing opportunities in Guyana’s green economy. At an International Youth Day 2026 panel discussion, young professionals from diverse fields, including Griffith, explored career development, emerging opportunities and the importance of equipping young people with the skills, discipline and adaptability needed to navigate today’s rapidly changing world of work. The discussion also highlighted opportunities available to young Guyanese in entrepreneurship, skills training and emerging sectors of the economy. Griffith urged young people to take advantage of opportunities within Guyana’s green economy, particularly in agriculture and encouraged them to consider developing small farming operations into larger enterprises. “I would love to hear some successful stories coming out of the Guyana Development Bank (GDB) of young people going to the bank to establish a farming enterprise or to turn their small farming business into an enterprise so that they can capitalise on everything there is to be offered in the green economy. So please, my young people, do not sleep on Guyana’s green economy.” He backed up his argument by highlighting the opportunities available to young people within Guyana’s green economy, particularly in agriculture.

“When you consider the story of Guyana’s green economy and the fact that Guyana is the only country in the world that is self-sufficient in terms of food production, I think young people have an explosive opportunity not only to try to feed Guyana, to feed your community, but of course you can consider agriculture and production at an export level. And so, if there is one desire for me, I wish our young people would consider, it’s agriculture. We have a lot of land, as you know.” Meanwhile, Minister Jacobs highlighted the importance of young people taking advantage of the wide range of opportunities available to them, particularly training programmes designed to equip them with practical skills. He pointed to training programmes offered through Government, including opportunities in carpentry and welding, as well as initiatives such as the Young Influencers Programme and programmes being advanced through the President’s Advisory Council. Jacobs, who has a background in professional cricket, also grounded his message in the importance of self-belief, discipline and a strong work ethic. He noted that young people must first believe in their ability to pursue their goals, whether in business, creativity or their personal lives. He said that once young people have that belief, they must identify the necessary steps to turn their ideas into reality. He also highlighted the importance of proper documentation in entrepreneurship, pointing to discussions within the Guyana Youth Entrepreneurship Chamber on the issue. Reflecting on his experience in cricket and public life, Jacobs said discipline requires a consistent commitment to improvement and service. “For instance, in cricket, you have to wake up every day wanting to be better, and that includes training. That is discipline. In public life, it is waking up every day and wanting to make sure that you play your role and your part in the progress and the development of Guyana. That is discipline every day. And then your work ethic.” He added that he believes people are rewarded based on the effort they put into their pursuits, describing this as a significant lesson he has learned throughout his life. Jacobs also pointed to the experiences of young creatives and entrepreneurs, noting that while challenges may exist, opportunities are also available for young people to pursue their ambitions. International Youth Day 2026 was observed on August 12 under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” The global observance focused on recognising that despite diverse local and national realities, young people worldwide share fundamental goals for dignity, opportunity, decent work and a sustainable future.