By Rabindra Rooplall
GREAT entrepreneurs have the ability to change the way we live and work. If successful, their ideas may improve standards of living, and in addition to creating wealth with entrepreneurial ventures, they also create jobs and contribute to a growing economy.

One such entrepreneur is Greggory Vincent called “Uncle Greg” of Gangadeen Street, Matthew’s Ridge.
Matthews Ridge is a small town within Barima-Waini, Region One with approximately 2,000 residents.
With plans to invest in a hardware store soon, Vincent moved to Matthews Ridge after a trip with his brother nine years ago, realising the potential for development and expansion.

“God has a purpose for me and I went there with a vision,” the businessman who was born and raised in Buxton, East Coast Demerara, told this newspaper in an exclusive interview.

He reflected that when he first visited the district, he noticed that there was no business or entrepreneurial endeavours in the area.
“The place was like a ghost town and I decided to go there and create employment,” he said.
Taking a big leap to start a new life in Matthew’s Ridge, Vincent entered the mining, trucking and mechanic businesses which employ almost 100 persons.
He emphasised that mining is a major employer in the district and more opportunities are needed to stimulate the sector for its revival since more people can be employed.

He added: “I got into the trucking business, I got a piece of land and I built a workshop. I started training within the workshop so people could learn to be gainfully employed, persons come and learn welding, we made porters into drivers and everyone was given an opportunity to earn.”
The businessman highlighted that most of his profits are reinvested into the community to promote and stimulate development.

BUILDING PROJECTS
After assisting residents in the community with jobs, he said he decided to assist with building and maintaining some of the roads in the community.
“I took trucks and bulldozers and we did the road. I built a ballfield with floodlights at night for the community, many people use the venue to have their recreational activities and I try to assist the region in the best way I can,” he said.

However, he explained that the general road infrastructure and inner roads need to be done, especially if the community is to expand.
Adding that regional officials and those in authority are aware of his contributions, Vincent noted that he is also a friend of the Guyana Police Force and has always extended a helping hand with his mechanic shop and other activities in the area in order to support law enforcement.
However, the businessman explained that more investors are needed in Matthews Ridge.

“We need more businesses and other forms of employment, we need programmes for the youths in the area since many need to be educated about the negative consequences of drugs and alcohol.”

Noting that his wife is a school teacher for the past 20 years, the businessman said he ensures that all children are equipped with kites for Easter, along with meals, packages and other activities that he can assist with.

He said the community should benefit from social workers and probation officers since there are too many children and youths out on the streets late at night.

Further, he noted that his workers go around cleaning up the community once every month as time permits and he also dug a large pit where residents can throw their garbage for burial.
The father of three explained that there is also a need for the development of the nursery and secondary schools, as construction and upgrade of the secondary department has been left incomplete.

X-RAY MACHINE
He explained that another item that is needed in the district is an x-ray machine to compliment the medical services offered in Matthews Ridge.
Vincent explained that Matthew Ridge is approximately an hour and half from Port Kaituma, and the community is accessible by river, air and road, and as such, needs an upgrade in water and electricity systems.

Matthew Ridge, he contends, could be promoted as a tourist destination.
He acknowledged that Matthew’s Ridge was without electricity for five months since March. However, the new government is trying to rectify the problem.

“I tried to assist using my own finances by rebuilding the old engine but it could not have held the load, the community previously had electricity from 16:00 hours to 07:00 hours in the morning,” Vincent said.

Remarking that he has invested heavily in solar generation, Vincent said government has also announce that it intends to invest in solar panels for the district, which is a welcomed initiative.

Further, he noted that what is also needed in Matthews Ridge is the promotion and authorisation of lands to be used for large-scale farming, cattle rearing and poultry.

He said many people are willing to work but opportunities are needed in order to enhance economic development.
The businessman explained that the relationship between entrepreneurship and economic development is important to understand for policymakers and business owners.

He said understanding the benefits and drawbacks of entrepreneurship allows a balanced approach to nurturing entrepreneurship, which can result in a positive economic and societal impact.