The Government of Guyana (GoG) is moving to establish a Youth Advisory Council (YAC) by the end of the first quarter of this year, said Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira. The announcement was made in the House at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) this afternoon during the consideration of the budget 2022 estimates of revenue and expenditure.
The sum of $16M has been earmarked for the council in this year’s budget. Already, a Secretariat and a Technical Coordinating Committee were established in 2021. Guyana Standard understands that a Terms of Reference has also been formulated, with President Dr Irfaan Ali expected to meet with the youth arm of the various political parties to encourage their participation on the YAC.
The establishment of this Council is a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) manifesto promise, and is expected to be the driving force behind the President’s “One Guyana” vision.
The Senior Minister within the President’s Office with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh during his January 16, 2022, budget presentation, noted that the council will be geared at ensuring representation and inclusion of young Guyanese in the national decision-making process.
He was keen to note that such participation is essential because the estimated size of the 14 to 35-year-old cohort is 280,501, reflecting 36 per cent of the general population.
“Government is committed to empowering this important segment of our population, our youth, our future, through targeted education including practical and life skills training, community engagements and representation in national and international events,” Dr Singh had told the House.
