–Minister McCoy says project will continue to support persons, families in need
By Feona Morrison
JUST in time for Mother’s Day, an ailing single mother received a brand-new house as a touching demonstration of the community’s support, courtesy of President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s Men on Mission (MoM) project.

Nicole Fraser, 47, has been struggling to make ends meet while coping with a severe illness. She has persevered despite her health issues and worked at several jobs to support her family. But she was worn down by the weight of housing costs and medical expenditures, and sought help from MoM to construct a house on her land.

The freshly built two-bedroom residence, situated at Farm, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was officially presented to Fraser on Sunday. Every phase of the construction process, from laying the foundation to erecting walls and installing plumbing and electrical systems, was executed with heartfelt dedication. The beneficiary even had the opportunity to choose the colour of her house.

During the handing-over ceremony, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with the responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, reiterated the government’s commitment to assisting vulnerable communities.
He emphasised that the Men on Mission initiative will persist as a dependable source of support for those in need, providing a sturdy foundation upon which individuals can lean.

Through the organisation, he said President Ali’s vision of developing communities and creating wholesome families is being achieved.
“Being able to find the persons that are desirous of our care and even particularly from a man’s standpoint…being able to be there to provide support, and to lend our energy and lend our skills towards the enhancement of lives and communities. We are working for the best of our people and our community,” he said.

Minister McCoy emphasised that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government has showcased its readiness and capability to collaborate with all sectors of society.
He said: “We would like to work as an inspiration to all the people of Guyana, and in all parts of Guyana among all stakeholders… civil society and the business community…”

McCoy highlighted that prioritising the welfare of Guyanese citizens is a cornerstone of the government’s agenda.
He remarked, “Guyana is a place in which we all can certainly enjoy a life of peace, a life of hope.”
He said this is possible because the government has an understanding of the needs of its people. During an interview with this publication, Fraser discussed her struggles with asthma, as well as lung damage caused by exposure to chemicals at a previous workplace.

She also suffers from bursitis. She described how her body has been affected, including swelling in her right leg, being unable to stand for long periods and how she has had to quit jobs due to her health issues. Fraser has three children, ages, 30, 14 and nine.
She is a grandmother of four.

Initiated in 2022, MoM stands as a pioneering endeavour focused on reintegrating men into society by furnishing them with essential skills crucial for the labour market. Already, the initiative has outlined commendable objectives, such as constructing residences for the most vulnerable, including individuals with disabilities and single mothers.