Talking Dollars and Making Sense: Strengthening Guyana’s Teaching Profession: A Key to Economic Transformation by Rennie Parris, MBA

Talking Dollars and Making Sense

Strengthening Guyana’s Teaching Profession

A Key to Economic Transformation

by

Rennie Parris, MBA

As we celebrate our rapid economic growth fueled by oil wealth, we face a critical challenge: ensuring that our education system keeps pace with national development needs. A well-trained teaching workforce is not only essential for shaping the next generation but is also a fundamental driver of long-term economic stability. Without highly qualified educators, our nation’s progress risks being uneven, with gaps in skills development that could slow the very growth we are striving to sustain.

Education quality is directly linked to economic performance. Studies show that nations with strong teacher training systems experience faster GDP growth, better job creation, and stronger innovation ecosystems. The World Bank estimates that improving teacher effectiveness can yield up to a fivefold return on investment through higher wages, increased productivity, and national economic gains. In the context of Guyana’s emerging industries—such as oil and gas, technology, and finance—a robust education system is critical for building a workforce equipped for the future.

While we celebrate our recent economic advancements, we must recognize that nearly half of our population still lives below the poverty line. Education, particularly when delivered by well-trained teachers, is the single most effective tool for breaking cycles of poverty and ensuring that all Guyanese benefit from national prosperity.

Currently, there are two main pathways for becoming a trained teacher in Guyana: the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and the University of Guyana’s (UG) Bachelor of Education programs. However, access to these programs is not evenly distributed. Many teachers in hinterland and remote areas struggle to get the necessary training due to infrastructure challenges, unreliable internet access, and financial barriers. Recognizing this gap, the Ministry of Education has mandated that all untrained teachers must complete formal training through initiatives like the Teacher Upgrade Programme (TUP). While this is a step in the right direction, more must be done to ensure that all aspiring educators—particularly those in marginalized communities—have the resources and support to succeed.

For Guyana’s education system to meet the demands of a rapidly growing economy, policymakers must adopt bold strategies to strengthen teacher training and retention. Expanding access to training programs in remote regions will require investment in satellite internet, offline learning modules, and mobile teacher training centers. Innovative partnerships with international institutions could also help develop flexible, blended learning programs that reach educators in all corners of the country.

Financial incentives must be introduced to attract and retain high-quality educators. A National Enterprise Fund for Education, financed in part by oil revenues, could provide subsidies for training costs, ensuring that teachers in rural and low-income communities do not face financial barriers to professional development. Housing benefits and relocation allowances for those serving in remote areas would further enhance teacher retention, while forgivable loan programs could encourage long-term service in critical subject areas such as STEM, special education, and vocational training.

Creating opportunities for career growth is also essential. A structured advancement framework should be established to allow teachers to specialize in leadership, curriculum development, or educational technology. Competitive salaries and performance-based incentives would help retain the best talent within the profession, while a mentorship network connecting new teachers with experienced educators could provide ongoing guidance and professional support.

The Guyanese diaspora remains an untapped resource for strengthening the education sector. Many accomplished professionals abroad are willing to contribute to national development through targeted investments, mentorship, and short-term teaching assignments. Investment vehicles designed specifically for diaspora participation in education initiatives could accelerate the development of high-quality training programs and ensure knowledge transfer between global experts and local educators.

As we pursue economic transformation, environmental protection and social equity must remain paramount. Our oil wealth must be leveraged not only for immediate economic gains but also for long-term sustainability. Implementing strict environmental standards for all development projects, protecting our vast rainforests as valuable carbon sinks, and ensuring indigenous communities benefit from economic development while preserving their traditional lands and ways of life are essential measures in this process.

Successful economic transformation requires strong institutional foundations. Transparency and accountability in resource revenue management must be prioritized to prevent corruption and inefficiency. Streamlining business registration and regulatory processes can encourage entrepreneurship, while the implementation of anti-corruption measures and robust oversight mechanisms will strengthen investor confidence. Establishing clear policies to promote local content and capabilities will ensure that our businesses and workers directly benefit from our country’s economic expansion.

Strengthening Guyana’s teaching profession is not just the responsibility of the Ministry of Education—it requires a multi-stakeholder approach. The private sector must invest in workforce development by supporting education initiatives and teacher training programs. The government must ensure that education funding from oil revenues is allocated transparently and effectively. Civil society organizations and advocacy groups must hold institutions accountable for delivering on their promises to improve education.

A nation’s wealth is not measured solely by its oil reserves but by the quality of education it provides to its people. As we navigate this historic period of economic growth, we must ensure that our education system keeps pace with national development needs. A strong teaching profession will not only empower future generations but will lay the foundation for a diversified, resilient, and innovative economy.

If we truly believe in inclusive growth and sustainable development, then investing in our teachers must be a national priority. The time for action is now.

As we celebrate our rapid economic growth fueled by oil wealth, we face a critical challenge: ensuring that our education system keeps pace with national development needs. A well-trained teaching workforce is not only essential for shaping the next generation but is also a fundamental driver of long-term economic stability. Without highly qualified educators, our nation’s progress risks being uneven, with gaps in skills development that could slow the very growth we are striving to sustain.

Education quality is directly linked to economic performance. Studies show that nations with strong teacher training systems experience faster GDP growth, better job creation, and stronger innovation ecosystems. The World Bank estimates that improving teacher effectiveness can yield up to a fivefold return on investment through higher wages, increased productivity, and national economic gains. In the context of Guyana’s emerging industries—such as oil and gas, technology, and finance—a robust education system is critical for building a workforce equipped for the future.

While we celebrate our recent economic advancements, we must recognize that nearly half of our population still lives below the poverty line. Education, particularly when delivered by well-trained teachers, is the single most effective tool for breaking cycles of poverty and ensuring that all Guyanese benefit from national prosperity.

Currently, there are two main pathways for becoming a trained teacher in Guyana: the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and the University of Guyana’s (UG) Bachelor of Education programs. However, access to these programs is not evenly distributed. Many teachers in hinterland and remote areas struggle to get the necessary training due to infrastructure challenges, unreliable internet access, and financial barriers. Recognizing this gap, the Ministry of Education has mandated that all untrained teachers must complete formal training through initiatives like the Teacher Upgrade Programme (TUP). While this is a step in the right direction, more must be done to ensure that all aspiring educators—particularly those in marginalized communities—have the resources and support to succeed.

For Guyana’s education system to meet the demands of a rapidly growing economy, policymakers must adopt bold strategies to strengthen teacher training and retention. Expanding access to training programs in remote regions will require investment in satellite internet, offline learning modules, and mobile teacher training centers. Innovative partnerships with international institutions could also help develop flexible, blended learning programs that reach educators in all corners of the country.

Financial incentives must be introduced to attract and retain high-quality educators. A National Enterprise Fund for Education, financed in part by oil revenues, could provide subsidies for training costs, ensuring that teachers in rural and low-income communities do not face financial barriers to professional development. Housing benefits and relocation allowances for those serving in remote areas would further enhance teacher retention, while forgivable loan programs could encourage long-term service in critical subject areas such as STEM, special education, and vocational training.

Creating opportunities for career growth is also essential. A structured advancement framework should be established to allow teachers to specialize in leadership, curriculum development, or educational technology. Competitive salaries and performance-based incentives would help retain the best talent within the profession, while a mentorship network connecting new teachers with experienced educators could provide ongoing guidance and professional support.

The Guyanese diaspora remains an untapped resource for strengthening the education sector. Many accomplished professionals abroad are willing to contribute to national development through targeted investments, mentorship, and short-term teaching assignments. Investment vehicles designed specifically for diaspora participation in education initiatives could accelerate the development of high-quality training programs and ensure knowledge transfer between global experts and local educators.

As we pursue economic transformation, environmental protection and social equity must remain paramount. Our oil wealth must be leveraged not only for immediate economic gains but also for long-term sustainability. Implementing strict environmental standards for all development projects, protecting our vast rainforests as valuable carbon sinks, and ensuring indigenous communities benefit from economic development while preserving their traditional lands and ways of life are essential measures in this process.

Successful economic transformation requires strong institutional foundations. Transparency and accountability in resource revenue management must be prioritized to prevent corruption and inefficiency. Streamlining business registration and regulatory processes can encourage entrepreneurship, while the implementation of anti-corruption measures and robust oversight mechanisms will strengthen investor confidence. Establishing clear policies to promote local content and capabilities will ensure that our businesses and workers directly benefit from our country’s economic expansion.

Strengthening Guyana’s teaching profession is not just the responsibility of the Ministry of Education—it requires a multi-stakeholder approach. The private sector must invest in workforce development by supporting education initiatives and teacher training programs. The government must ensure that education funding from oil revenues is allocated transparently and effectively. Civil society organizations and advocacy groups must hold institutions accountable for delivering on their promises to improve education.

A nation’s wealth is not measured solely by its oil reserves but by the quality of education it provides to its people. As we navigate this historic period of economic growth, we must ensure that our education system keeps pace with national development needs. A strong teaching profession will not only empower future generations but will lay the foundation for a diversified, resilient, and innovative economy.

If we truly believe in inclusive growth and sustainable development, then investing in our teachers must be a national priority. The time for action is now.

📢 Please Support the Guyana Business Journal and Magazine.

📢 Stay informed. Engage in the conversation. Support independent reporting.

📧 Terrence Blackman, Ph.D.

Founder & CEO, Guyana Business Journal

📩 terrence.blackman@guyanabusinessjournal.com