“Be your own boss” –  Minister Norton urges Linden youths

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Youths of the mining town of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) were called on by Minister of Social Cohesion, George Norton “to be their own bosses.” The charge was made during a recent sensitisation outreach in the town for young people.

The issue of unemployment among the town’s youth population featured prominently in the discussion. It was drawn to Minister Norton’s attention that qualified young people also face a challenge in finding employment, and the jobs that are available pay a minimum wage. The minister, who also has responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, acknowledged that the situation is a testing one, nevertheless, he urged them to move away from the idea of working for others and to consider becoming young entrepreneurs.

“We have got to get away from this idea of working for people. Start being your own bosses. Working and waiting for the end of the month for a salary is not the only way, as a matter of fact, it is not the best way, you have got to be your own bosses.”

The minister encouraged the Linden youth to take full advantage of the programmes provided by the Department of Youth, to assist in their first steps towards entrepreneurship. These are the Youth Business Summit and the Youth Innovation Project of Guyana (YIPoG) which provide youths with startup funds for their business ideas.

The Youth Business Summit, scheduled for May 23-24, is expected to provide a hub for young entrepreneurs to start or expand their own businesses. Minister Norton encouraged the young Lindeners to sign up for the summit before registration closes on April 16, 2018. “You should be fully aware of this and should be participating in the summit so I hope that this is taking place, if it is not, then I will ask for answers.”

As it relates to YIPoG, the project allows young people to propose solutions to address issues in their communities through Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, Anthropology, Archeology, Arts, Mathematics and Spirituality also known as STEAMS. From today, interested persons are encouraged to make contact with the ministry to sign up and be a part of the project.

Creating a cadre of young entrepreneurs has been on the front burner for the government since taking office and is also the vision of President David Granger. This is being realised through a series of training programmes and avenues aimed at shifting youths away from the culture of job hunting and towards developing their own businesses.

 

By: Isaiah Braithwaite