There are no jobs available in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) for the scores of secondary school students and graduates of the Essequibo Technical Institute, according to the Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt.
The Regional Chairman was at the time speaking at the statutory meeting for the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) held on Tuesday, February 14, in the boardroom of the RDC.
Daveanand Ramdatt
The topic arose for discussion after the issue was raised concerning the filling of many vacancies in the Health and Education Departments, and the high unemployment rate within the region.
Ramdatt lamented the fact that many youths along the Essequibo Coast are applying for jobs existing within the regional administration; however, those jobs are often given to pensioners.
He informed the RDC that there were numerous vacancies that existed in the region in all programmes, and noted that in the latter quarter of 2016, several applications were submitted to the Public Service Commission for filing of said vacancies, and to date, those vacant positions are yet to be filled. This he said is affecting the quality of service provided to the public.
“This weakness applied by the Government is affecting youth employment and undermines the quality of human resource now recruited to serve the public,” Ramdatt said.
The Chairman therefore called on the personnel department of the Administration to do meaningful follows up on the filing of vacancies.
A Government Councillor, Julian Cummings, said the situation is worrying and many health centres and schools along the Pomeroon River are understaffed.
During interviews with Guyana Times, several young people related that the situation is worrying as they are now qualified but without jobs.
“I did so many courses and yet am without a job,” one young person explained. Many youths are also calling for a branch of the University of Guyana to be established on the Essequibo Coast so that young people can benefit and further pursue their education.
