In keeping with its corporate –social responsibility, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Ltd. (GT&T) donated $1M to Habitat for Humanity Guyana (HFHG), yesterday, at GT&T’s head office, in Brickdam.
According to GTT’s Deputy General Manager, Terry Holder, the donation is an annual gesture, in keeping with the Company’s commitment to national development and allowing Habitat for Humanity to reach more families through its programmes.
“The function this morning is a simple one; we are donating $1M to Habitat for Humanity in the hope that one other family will be more comfortable,” he said.
Holder pointed out that the company is also involved in a hands-on relationship with HFGH, encouraging members of staff to assist in the construction of homes.
Accepting the donation on behalf of HFHG, Chairman of the non-profit organisation, William Harris, expressed his profound gratitude for the “special contribution”.
Harris applauded the efforts of GT&T during the ten year partnership that exists between the two entities and invited the company to participate in the ongoing “intensified housing drive.”

Alluding to the increasing cost of home ownership, he stated, “If you earn minimum wages, it is difficult to build a home,” adding, “Housing then becomes a burden.”
He revealed that HFHG is currently seeking to develop a model which will lower the cost of housing in the country, thereby enabling more persons to become home owners.
“Just as GT&T has to provide telecommunication services through out Guyana, we have to ensure that persons have affordable housing.” Mr. Harris emphasized.
Harris also encouraged the Telecommunications Company to continue supporting HFHG, not only through the provision of monetary assistance, but by supporting the “innovative drive” to reduce housing costs.
Habitat for Humanity Guyana has provided shelter for more than 2000 families across Guyana and relies heavily on volunteers and donations (cash and in kind) to help construct low- cost, affordable houses for inadequately sheltered families.
The families, in turn, pay for the cost of the houses  through long term mortgages.