SCORES of women in business gathered on Friday at the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI), Cove and John, East Coast Demerara, for the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Women in Business – Support Day.
The event, modelled on the Ministry’s flagship ‘We Lift’ expo but on a smaller scale, provided participants with access to critical services such as business registration, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) compliance, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) compliance, Food Handlers Certificates, general business guidance, and financial support opportunities.
A key feature of the day was the sharing of powerful, personal stories by women entrepreneurs, showcasing their resilience, creativity, and determination to succeed.
Among them was Mrs. Debbie Argyle of Mahaica, owner of Magnificent Enterprise. A proud mother of ten, Argyle recounted her journey from farming and gardening—with support from the Ministry of Agriculture—to developing her own line of pepper sauces, seasonings, and achar. She explained that her products are already being marketed in Barbados through annual expos, and she has also expanded into soap-making, with products such as neem, pumpkin, and pawpaw soaps.
“My dream is to establish my own business, because I have a group named Mahaica Women’s Group; these are mostly senior women and early school dropouts,” Argyle told the gathering, adding that she hopes to, one day, open a factory at her home.
Another moving testimony came from Ms. Jenneta Brandon of Tuschen, Region Three, who travelled to Cove and John to attend the event. Brandon shared that her lifelong dream was to open an ice-cream parlour and snackette, but a serious fall that required surgery left her unable to walk for a period of time.
Refusing to let her circumstances define her, Brandon started J and R Peeled Garlic, selling freshly peeled garlic to customers.
“I started with three pounds of garlic and used social media to push my business. It encouraged me, and I started to take baby steps. I’m back on my feet,” she said.
While proud of her growing garlic business, Brandon told participants she remains determined to pursue her childhood dream.
“I’m good at J and R Peeled Garlic, but I’m not stopping there. I’m here to get help to purchase an ice-cream machine and a slushie machine to move closer to that dream,” she said with optimism.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who engaged with participants during the event, praised the women for their resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. She noted that the Support Day initiative is designed to make services more accessible to women in business while also creating a space for inspiration, mentorship, and empowerment.
The women who attended expressed gratitude for the opportunity to network, share their experiences, and explore new avenues for growth.