Dear Editor,
I TRAVEL around Guyana to survey the public on their views about governance issues, as well as to assess the state and conditions of communities. People complain about a host of problems at the community level all the time.

Much work needs to be done in rural and outlying communities, areas that historically have been neglected or underserved since the colonial era.  Governments have tried to assist, but the problems are many. The present government has made continued efforts to reach the poor of all communities with various forms of grants (agriculture, cash relief, education, school uniform, old age pension, disability, housing, etc.) and other social welfare assistance.  Problems are formidable, and government can’t meet all demands and needs. Businesses, charitable organisations and grant foundations, as well as generous individuals, including from the diaspora, have also stepped in to assist underserved areas. The diaspora, including this writer, has helped with a lot of cash assistance, food hampers, and medical outreaches, including distributing medical kits. Some local businesses have assisted more than others. Regrettably, some local businesses that have made a lot of money have very tight hands, and have not helped the poor at all.

I commend the charitable activities of Mohammed’s Enterprise and several other socially responsible businesses that served the neglected, marginalised, poor, and dispossessed.  As I read in the media, Mohamed’s Enterprise and several other businesses have helped communities and low-income people with cash grants and other forms of charitable assistance, including to build homes.

The media notes that Mohamed’s Enterprise helped to rehabilitate schools, build flush toilets at community health centres and schools, and offered scholarships to poor students (especially from Essequibo). The business is noted for giving out continuous cash grants to poor college-bound students and dozens of others, and also offered other forms of charitable assistance.  The helping hand of Mohammed’s corporate welfare has touched many, and should be emulated by other businesses. Corporate charitable assistance is critical to address pressing needs of low-income folks and communities.

Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram