Guyanese in the diaspora urged to explore opportunities at home

GEORGETOWN, Guyana– Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud urges Guyanese nationals in the diaspora to explore opportunities at home as the country is undergoing rapid development.

Recently speaking with diaspora members in Trinidad and Tobago, Persaud said that approximately 100,000 additional workers are needed in critical investments. The economy is growing fast, and both skilled and unskilled workers are required to fill public private-sector jobs.

Robert Persaud

According to Persaud, the Government of Guyana is trying to woo members of its diaspora to return by offering several incentives, including tax concessions on personal effects such as vehicles and housing lots in Guyana.

However, a unique appeal is being made to Guyanese living in Trinidad and Tobago due to the economic challenges being experienced in the twin-island republic. 

“… if any Guyanese diaspora living in TT feels disadvantaged, I wish to remind them that Guyana is their home with abundant opportunities.

Persaud is not the only politician to voice concern about Guyanese in Trinidad and Tobago. Recently Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo pointed out that the economy in Trinidad and Tobago has faced numerous challenges over the past few years due to limited economic diversification and dependence on a highly volatile sector- oil and gas.

Jagdeo also noted that Guyana remains open to partnering with Trinidad and Tobago but emphasized that those partnerships must not sideline Guyanese or Guyanese-owned businesses.

Jagdeo received backlash for his comments. However, Persaud defended the Vice President in a post published on Facebook.

“VP Jagdeo never questioned the importance of close TT-Guyana ties or our regional integration commitment. What’s wrong with a leader making a factual observation about another country’s economic state, especially given the interdependence of our economies both at the bilateral and regional levels?

“If TT’s economy is such a bright star, WHY do we have close to 100 companies from TT in a desperate campaign to dominate our economic space at a rate unheard of in any CARICOM country?” 

Persaud also noted that Guyana values its relationship with the twin-island republic and is willing to offer any advice to help the country transcend its current economic conditions.