IOM heartened by response to local assistance programme
THE Guyana Office of International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said it is heartened by the response, so far, to its programme through which Guyanese who lived in the United States but were involuntarily removed and returned here are being assisted to start up business.
The opportunity is open to involuntary returnees (IRs), popularly referred to as deportees, who were sent back between July last year and October this year, Acting Re-integration Project Assistant, Mr. Jermaine Grant said.
In a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, he explained that, in its bid to help the target group re-integrate with society, IOM has partnered with the Government and a number of non-governmental agencies and organisations to ensure the effectiveness of the project.
Individuals can gain access by calling the IOM hotline, 226-4732 through which they will be referred to the respective partners for assistance to empower them with business management and entrepreneurship training or develop a plan to venture into their own enterprise.
Grant said the office has been approached by more males than females and, based upon the area of skill, the interest is mostly in poultry rearing or establishing either a variety store, barber shop or cosmetology parlour.
He, however, said IOM has its focus not only on helping the IRs to open businesses but to ensure that their re-integration begins immediately upon their return to Guyana.
In that quest, IOM has established a presence at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, East Bank Demerara, which allows personnel to work closely with the relevant authorities, so that the IRs, on arrival, are exposed to reorientation sessions, receive a hygiene package, aided to contact relatives and supported with temporary accommodation if needed.
IOM also assists IRs to obtain national identification, counselling, rehabilitation from substance abuse, support in locating family members and accessing employment.
In relation to the last, training will be provided to IRs who will receive further assistance to prepare a CV (curriculum vitae) and match their skills with available job opportunities, made known to IOM by its partners in both Government and civil society or in the media.