A MOTHER of nine has invested her $100,000 cash grant into a small shop at her home, turning government’s support into a sustainable source of income for herself and family. She has also built her home through small loans and government grants.

The woman who is a vendor, was among the many persons President, Dr Irfaan Ali interacted with during his visit to the Hydronie/Parika Market on Sunday.

On Monday, in a post on his official Facebook page, President Ali said “Stories like hers demonstrate the positive impact of our investments in people—providing the support and opportunities for Guyanese to build more secure and prosperous lives for their families.”

During the interaction, which was videoed, the vendor said that 15 years ago she received her house lot after telling President Ali about her situation. At the time, the President was the Minister of Housing and Water.

“Well 15 years ago he [the President] give me a house lot because I go and I tell he I had nine children. [I] continued building [and] I get a $200,000 loan in Dairy when you had your project [and] I put on a roof because I only had the building,” she shared.

The woman stated that the $100,000 cash grant she received recently is being used to add a roof to her shop, which is located at her home.

The first time the National Cash Grant initiative was introduced was in late 2024, resulting in the transfer of over $60 billion in disposable income to more than 600,000 Guyanese. The programme was repeated again this year, and already, the initiative has processed payments amounting to more than $47 billion to over 400,000 eligible Guyanese.

This national initiative is part of the measures introduced by the government to help increase disposable income and expand access to financial services for Guyanese citizens.