THE Coalition Government has spent almost $250M this year to increase employment opportunities at the community level through the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) initiative.

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, told DPI on Thursday that Guyanese of all ages have benefitted from the project. More than 150 co-operatives comprising women and youths were among the beneficiaries. “I can proudly tell you that these people who have benefitted from this project, are loud in praise for this government for what they have achieved in this short time of training,” Minister Ally said.

The minister noted that it was under the SLED initiative that some residents in Region Nine were able to start small businesses in the agriculture sector. Scores of women in that region also received home economics training under SLED.

“We hope that consideration will be given in 2020 for this ministry to receive more monies for the programme, to widen and bridge the gap between the coast and hinterland, and to empower additional citizens,” Minister Ally said.

She added that there were also significant investments in the ministry’s Difficult Circumstances Unit which allowed “thousands of individuals” to earn and provide for their families.

“With this department, even students were helped to pay their school fees. We can’t pay all the students’ fees, but we examine the situation then make a decision,” she disclosed. The SLED programme was set up in 2015 after the coalition took office. (DPI)