President Ali urges human-capital readiness as Guyana navigates ‘golden era’ of oil growth
President Dr Irfaan Ali is urging Guyana to pair its record-setting oil production with equally ambitious human-capital development, warning that the country’s transformation could be undermined without a workforce capable of keeping pace.
Speaking at the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber’s Annual Awards Presentation Dinner, he emphasised that Guyana’s unprecedented economic moment—one he described as the country’s “golden era”—demands responsibility, maturity, and long-term vision.
“We cannot afford to be swept away by the tide of optimism,” he cautioned. “Our future is glorious, but we must remain disciplined, prudent and clear-eyed.”
The President noted that the government is working to convert oil wealth into long-term assets, including infrastructure, energy security, and a diversified economy.
He stressed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration has a proven record of responsible national-resource management.
“The Guyanese economy is not drifting; it is being guided, protected, and anchored by steady, competent hands. The economy is in safe hands—your hands, our hands, the nation’s hands—working together.”
Even as oil production climbs—from 650,000 barrels per day earlier this year to roughly 930,000 barrels per day by year-end, with a projected 1.3 million barrels per day by 2030—Dr Ali reminded the private sector that global energy markets remain volatile.
He highlighted forecasts of an oversupply between 2025 and 2030, stressing that the industry is “price-, cost-, technology-, politically-and regulatory-sensitive,” and that “every element of risk associated with doing business is associated with this industry.”
The President dedicated much of his address to labour-market challenges. “The greatest complaint in the private sector today is on human capital management. Businesses complain of being unable to find workers,” he said.
Dr. Ali urged citizens to embrace upskilling, productivity, and professionalism.
“We must understand that our human capital has to develop at the same pace the economy demands of it,” he added.
He cautioned that an immature or inefficient workforce could undermine competitiveness and slow the country’s overall progress.
