Youngest, technocrat minister Keoma Griffith promises vibrance, reform at Labour Ministry

Just two days into his new role, Keoma Griffith, Guyana’s freshly appointed Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, says he is still “pinching himself” as he settles into the Cabinet of President Dr Irfaan Ali.

Griffith, a 32-year-old attorney with nearly a decade of experience in the courts, including appearances before the Caribbean Court of Justice, is among the surprise picks in the government’s expanded Cabinet. He enters Parliament as a technocrat minister, one of four permitted by the Constitution, after not being listed as a candidate in the recent General and Regional Elections.

“I was not on the list of nominees, so yes, it was unexpected. But I am extremely grateful to His Excellency for the opportunity to serve,” Griffith told the News Room in an exclusive interview.

Griffith is the youngest member of the Cabinet—a fact he believes is no coincidence.

“This is a promise delivered. The government committed to investing in young people, and now you see it at the highest level of national service,” he said. “Youth is an asset. I intend to bring vibrance to the Ministry while also leaning on the experience of those who’ve served before me.”

He noted that former Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton will serve as his advisor, while he will also draw guidance from senior Cabinet colleagues, including the Vice President and Prime Minister.

The Ministry has been renamed the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, signalling a broader portfolio. Griffith explained that the shift reflects the government’s push to prepare the workforce for rapid economic transformation.

“When we say manpower planning, we’re talking about ensuring that the labour force is trained, qualified, and ready to take advantage of opportunities, whether in oil and gas, agriculture, or other sectors. That’s the huge mandate before me,” Griffith said.

He pledged to strengthen vocational and technical training programmes, especially in hinterland and rural regions, so that all Guyanese can access the country’s growth opportunities.

On the sensitive issue of foreign workers, Griffith stressed that Guyanese employment and workplace conditions will remain a priority.

“I will be engaging with international companies to ensure locals are working, are comfortable, and are able to grow. We welcome investment, but our people must benefit,” he affirmed.

He also committed to updating the country’s labour laws, promising “an integral role in the legislative architecture” to ensure protections keep pace with national development.

Beyond the politics, Griffith described himself as “a son, a servant, and a youth leader,” noting that his legal background, community service, and mentorship under President Ali have prepared him for this role.

“I’ve always seen myself as a servant. Now, I’m stepping away from private practice to serve the public, and I plan to give everything I have,” he said.

Griffith promised to make his ministry more visible across the country, pledging to take Labour and Manpower Planning “into every region.”

“You will be seeing a lot of me on the ground. I want to understand people’s concerns directly and ensure we push for improved working conditions everywhere,” he said.

As he embarks on his new journey, Griffith faces the challenge of proving that his youth is indeed an asset. With the President warning that underperforming ministers will be replaced, all eyes are now on the youngest member of Cabinet to deliver results in a ministry central to Guyana’s workforce and development agenda.