RESIDENTS from several communities in East Berbice, Corentyne, on Saturday benefited from hampers containing essential food supplies.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, was present at the distribution held at the Back Centre Ground, Skeldon, Number 75, 76 and 77 villages.

The distribution exercise was part of government’s plan to aid families who are faced with challenges due to the closure of the sugar estates and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is intended as a small measure of support; we know that times have been very challenging, particularly with the closure of the sugar estates and particularly with COVID. It’s intended to provide a small measure of household support to you as part of medium and long-term plans for Berbice,” he said.

While addressing residents, the minister highlighted that major transformations are underway in Region Six, including the construction of new training facilities.

“We are investing heavily in Region Six. We anticipate major economic development in Region Six. We anticipate not just investment in industries and manufacturing, in operations and in productive activities that will create jobs, but we also expect that Region Six will be a major centre for training of people. We are looking at new training facilities to be constructed in Region Six to train more of our young people so more of them can be able to participate in the new economy that is emerging with the onset of oil and gas,” he said.

The minister also spoke of the devastating effect of COVID-19 and encouraged residents to get vaccinated to protect themselves.

Minister Singh was accompanied by Regional Chairman, David Armogan; Regional Vice-Chairman, Zamal Hussain; Regional Executive Officer, Narindra Persaud; and Regional Engineers, among others.