Young people line up to take advantage of public works jobs (photo by Shermain Bique-Charles)
A sense of renewed hope and purpose filled the compound of the Ministry of Public Works on Monday morning, as hundreds of young people from across Antigua and Barbuda gathered—some ready to be deployed for road works, others eager for a chance at employment.
The large turnout reflected both the demand for opportunities and the willingness of young Antiguans and Barbudans to step forward and contribute to national development.
For many, the moment marked the end of some uncertainty, whether short or longterm.
“I haven’t been working for three months, and I am happy that my frustration has ended for now,” one young man from Grays Farm told Antigua.news, expressing relief at finally securing an opportunity to earn.
Another young applicant said he showed up determined to improve his situation.
“I heard they have jobs for young people, so I came to apply,” he said, echoing the sentiments of many others who lined up in hopes of being selected.
The initiative aligns with repeated calls by the government for young people to take advantage of opportunities being created, as the government continues efforts to expand employment and build a stronger, more inclusive economy.
The government has consistently emphasized that development must translate into real opportunities for citizens—particularly the nation’s youth—encouraging them to “level up” and play an active role in shaping their future.
All of a sudden, hundreds of government jobs became available at PublicWorks. They can be hired to maintain St. John’s city’s infrastructure. I am happy for these young people. Also, CHB needs to hire some of them to help maintain the cleanliness of St. John’s city.
Finally, we don’t have to import labourers; they were here all the time waiting for an opportunity. Our people were overlooked for many years, and the government had to import labourers. I recall the PM once saying that his government would import skilled workers because none could be found in Antigua and Barbuda. Looking at some of these young, strong adults, a few of them seem to have some skills. With a few extra trainings, they will do fine for their nation’s development.
Elections can really make the devil dance lololololol
Good for them. I’ve already seen many of them walking out of public works with their spliff in mouth. So dumb
Comment *I find it very ridiculous… People that has been working there for years still unhappy with their position and how the bigger heads deal with them! The Staff/employess/workers that’s has been there for decades, are not being paid their overtime monies! but y’all hiring allllllll these people all at once? !!! Some of these people have no qualifications no education and they entering the ministry getting bigger pay and better positions than people that has been working there for years! Some of the staff has been trying to get better positions in the ministry of public Works for years with no success!! Tell me now, if y’all cannot make the people that been working there for years happy, how y’all go bring all these people? so yal can’t pay them too.? And most of them crazy nf police got haffu run come down public Works very regularly… Total outrageouness… I could NEVER vote in this country Again EVER!!
At least it’s something. When you been home for months, any opportunity matters
This is what we want to see young people getting a chance instead of just talk
Every election season is the same thing suddenly plenty jobs appear
What a thing! they recieved employment or they came for employment. This is surly shocking
If this continues, it could really help reduce crime and idleness among young men
Is this sustainable, or just a quick fix to make people feel good?
Temporary work nice, but what happen after? We need long-term jobs, not just short bursts