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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 26, 2019
Big boost to deep South Rupununi –– existing HEYS businesses to each receive $50,000 grant
Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe with the recipients of the resource items RESIDENTS of several deep South Rupununi villages are now in a better position to enhance their businesses, which were established under the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme. This is now possible after the participants received resource kits from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, a release from the ministry stated. Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, on Sunday handed over the kits to the participants of the programme at the villages of Shea, Awaraunau and Maruranau, during a ministerial outreach in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region. Minister Garrido-Lowe said the government is faithfully keeping its promise to the indigenous peoples and more so, the youth, in ensuring they are empowered enough to provide for themselves and their families. “This is the APNU+AFC Government showing you how much, as a government, we care for our indigenous peoples. It is our duty, if we care for our people, to build the capacity of our youth… to give them the knowledge and skills in different areas,” she said. She further added that youths who enrolled in the programme were trained in different areas – building self-esteem, anger management, mathematics and English, business/budgeting, eco-tourism, agriculture and at least two vocational skills. She said the vocational skills include garment production, carpentry and joinery, masonry, catering,
information technology, small engine repairs and electrical installation. “This means that you can earn money with the skills you have gained; you will be able to raise your standard of living and that of your family’s, and the entire community will benefit in the end. And this is what the APNU+AFC Government is all about – ensuring that our indigenous people receive the opportunities that you deserve so that you too will have a chance to enjoy the good life,” she said. Garrido-Lowe said the ministry ensured 215 villages were reached under the programme ; 20 youths were catered for from each village and each were assisted with $30,000 per month, while they learned the different skills including how to do business, how to identify business opportunities in the villages and how they can pursue such ventures in order to be successful. To date, the program has achieved its desired outcome and participants have been vocal about the positive impact it continues to make in their lives. Daniel Charlie of Maruranau said, “I do pig rearing, that is what I started off with and now I have eleven pigs and early next year I will have more”. Sylvin Robison, who is also into pig rearing said, “I have three mother pigs and they are ready to drop and so I expect to have plenty more”. Other participants are operating snackettes, while others are engaged in joinery, gardening and poultry rearing, which are positively contributing to their lives and their respective village
economies. Addressing some of the challenges experienced, Minister Garrido-Lowe applauded the youths for their efforts noting that: “we know that the economy is slow but you are still with your business that you have not given up and that is a testimony to your character. And that is a really good attitude when you want to achieve your dreams but it takes effort, dedication and patience.” Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe also assured participants from the villages that this year, their existing businesses will receive an additional grant, with each business receiving $50,000. This grant was already approved in the National Assembly and the youths will soon begin to receive their disbursements. Minister Garrido-Lowe thanked parents and villagers for supporting the youth through this journey and assured that government will leave no stone unturned as it relates to youth development. Over the last two years, 3,795 youth in 215 villages were able to benefit from training in life skills, vocational interests and entrepreneurial skills. The APNU+AFC Government has invested more than $2B in indigenous and hinterland youth development. Meanwhile, Minister Garrido-Lowe also updated residents on the current political situation and they were assured that government will continue to function within the confines of the Constitution which will ensure that peace and harmony prevail.