2 major economic hubs to create jobs in Essequibo – VP Jagdeo

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has announced plans for the establishment of two major economic hubs in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) aimed at creating new employment opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship, and transforming the regional economy into one that is more self-sustaining and diversified.

During an outreach with young people at the Bushlot Market Tarmac, Jagdeo explained that the Government is moving ahead with initiatives designed not just for short-term relief, but long-term prosperity. Central to this vision are the two hubs—one geared towards innovation and the other focused on diversification—both of which are expected to attract private investment and provide a platform for young people to develop and market their skills and products locally and internationally.

Jagdeo, who is also the General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic), explained that the innovation hub will serve as a centre for new ideas, digital entrepreneurship, and technological advancement, while the diversification hub will focus on supporting agro-processing, value-added production, and emerging industries in the region. The intention is to reduce reliance on traditional sectors by opening avenues for economic expansion in non-traditional areas.

“So like here in this region, we have to generate more employment… so massive investment in incentives to attract investments to the region. There will be two new major hubs created in this region: one for innovation and another one to promote diversification. So, these will be two major hubs, well-resourced, so we can generate a whole series of employment opportunities for young people in the region, where they don’t have to leave to find good-paying jobs. And that’s the next term in office, which hopefully will start before the end of the year,” the Vice President stated.

The Vice President noted that these hubs will be well-resourced and backed by incentives to attract business activity. He added that they are part of a broader push to decentralise development and ensure that young people in rural regions no longer have to migrate to the coast or capital city in search of meaningful employment.

Additionally, he highlighted that with the necessary infrastructure being built out simultaneously—including better roads, lighting, healthcare, and educational facilities—the region will be better positioned to support this transformation.

In addressing the role of youth in this new phase of development, Dr Jagdeo encouraged those present to equip themselves with the skills necessary to thrive in a modern economy. He further underscored that the digital society being constructed will require new talents and will open the door for service-based roles that never existed before in the region.

“Our next term will focus on empowering young people through access to land, jobs, education, and healthcare,” the Vice President said, adding that the innovation and diversification hubs are just two of many major projects that will be outlined in the PPP/C’s upcoming manifesto.