WITH the aim of strengthening the country’s economy through its people, the Guyana government continues to provide financial support to the owners of hundreds of established and emerging small businesses around the nation.
Sharon (only name given) of Abram Zuil, told the Guyana Chronicle recently that she was shocked when she received a call from one of the government offices stating that she was eligible for a cash grant.

According to her, “Even though I had applied for the cash grant to put towards a small snackette that I wanted to open, I did not think that I would get a call now. I know that there are many more persons who probably applied as well, so I didn’t think too much about me getting through; at least not now.

“However, I must say thanks to Dr. Jagdeo and the government for making sure that they are giving back to us, so that we can build a better life for ourselves. We have seen throughout Guyana that every region and the people have been given help, and it feels good to know that we are not forgotten.”

Sharon further stated that even though the Vice-President explained that he was “very busy” with his outreach in the region, she appreciated that he still took the time to speak with them on the importance of developing themselves. Sharon added that the Vice-President also explained that the cash grant initiative is not limited to Region Two.

In closing, Sharon said, “Dr. Jagdeo also said that those who applied and did not receive cash grants during this visit will get theirs at a later date.”
Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, a small shop owner from the Annandale community explained that her goal is to expand her small business. Kamo (only name given) also stated that she had always wanted to expand her business, but did not want to take out a bank loan.

According to her, “I always wanted to extend my shop, but I never wanted to go to the bank to get a loan. So, this opportunity came up, and I applied. Thankfully, I got through, and I will do what I intended to do with it. On behalf of the small business owners and the people of Essequibo, we would like to thank the government, especially Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, for coming himself to the Coast.”
Additionally, Chandra Singh, of Anna Regina, explained that her daughter applied through a representative from the area for a cash grant to start up a business in the market. However, Singh said that even though her daughter’s name was not on the list on Wednesday, she is certain that she will get a call soon.

“Even though my daughter’s name was not called, I am not upset about that,” Chandra said, adding: “Everything takes time, and with what this government is doing across this country, I have no reason to believe that it wouldn’t happen.
“Apart from the cash grant that was being shared, I was at the meeting to ask for advice on some personal matters of mine, and I am happy to say that it was resolved. Not every day you get to meet with these officials, but when you do, your matters are looked into right away, and that is something we never had in this country.”

During a recent two-day outreach, Vice-President Jagdeo and government ministers engaged residents of the Essequibo Coast and Pomeroon farmers. Dr. Jagdeo revealed during his press conference on Thursday that the farmers in Pomeroon were delighted with the assistance they had received from the government since they took office in 2020.

Additionally, Dr. Jagdeo explained that the aim of the visit was to contribute to the development of the region through various sectors, such as tourism, as well as create job opportunities for the young people in the region. He also asked that the young people of the region capitalise on the GOAL scholarship programmes that are being offered Online to all Guyanese, free of cost.
Dr. Jagdeo also shared that the government’s outreaches and developmental initiatives are not limited to one specific region, as they are committed to serving persons living throughout Guyana.