– as AFC plugs establishment of policy already carried out by Govt
Education Minister Priya Manickchand on Tuesday issued a pointed response to remarks made by Alliance For Change (AFC) leader Nigel Hughes, who had pledged to establish a national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) policy and to expand technical institutions nationwide.
Speaking during the Ministry of Education’s annual TVET Fair & Exposition, hosted by the TVET Unit under the theme “Empowering Youths, Elevating Skills: TVET as a Catalyst for Inclusion,” Manickchand rebuffed Hughes’ statements, saying the work he’s now proposing has long been underway under the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government.
“Recently, I heard a presidential hopeful speaking with an accent… That he was going to have a national TVET policy. Big man, it done,” she said – stating that this has already been done by the current administration.
Manickchand noted that since the PPP/C Administration returned to office, the Government has significantly expanded technical education offerings, ensuring that students across the country have access to Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ)-certified programmes in fields aligned with Guyana’s growing economy, including the oil and gas sector.
“That he was going to make sure every child was exposed to TVET because of the oil sector? Big man, the oil sector has been around since your party was in office—and you did nothing to advance that sector,” the Minister informed.
She directly addressed Hughes, referring to him as a “dear friend and colleague in law,” but criticised his role during the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition’s time in office.
“Nigel’s party was in office for five years after oil was found. They didn’t build a single new TVET institution. Not one. No new high school started and finished. No policy to advance TVET. Nothing. He was comfortable leaving all of you with a Government that didn’t build a single TVET centre—though we left the money there for them.”
Manickchand emphasised that while every citizen has the right to choose their leaders, those decisions must be based on truth and performance.
“They’ll come to you with an accent and self-promoting shows without space for real interrogation. But the facts remain—we’ve shown you what progress looks like. We’ve delivered.”
On that note she urged young people to critically assess all political options heading into the elections, comparing not just policies but leadership capabilities.
“Compare Priya and Nicolette. Compare Irfaan and David Granger. Your life and your children’s futures depend on it.”
The Minister promised that under her stewardship and the PPP/C Administration, TVET will continue to grow, ensuring that every child exiting high school will be CVQ qualified and prepared for modern industries.
“I promise you that growth. And you will see that growth with us.”
“God bless you, and may God always bless this beautiful land of ours, Guyana,” she concluded.
The two-day expo, being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) features over 44 participating entities and highlights innovation, skills development, and job readiness in fields such as agriculture, hospitality, construction, and renewable energy.
