$1.7BILLION for youth initiatives

– Min. Jordan calls on young people to take advantage of opportunities

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, November 27, 2018

The development and empowerment of youths remain a priority for the government with another $1.7Billion to be allocated in 2019 to continue various programmes.

This was announced by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan during the 2019 National Budget Speech. These initiatives include the Youth Innovation Project of Guyana geared towards fostering a green economy; the Guyana Youth Business Summit which provides funding for businesses in excess of $9.3Million; and training at the various skills training centres across the country.

The Finance Minister said that he is “encouraging groups, cooperatives and job-seeking individuals to take advantage of the many schemes, programmes and funding opportunities that are available for youths to be their own boss, including the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development programme.”

Entrepreneurial avenues, the minister highlighted, are also available under the Ministry of Social Protection for which $250Million has been allocated. He also pointed out that $100Million is allocated to the Small Business Development Fund which is also available to young people under the Ministry of Business.

Additionally, young people can access financing for small businesses through the Linden Enterprise Network for which $218Million is allocated. “This allows access to resources for housing, manufacturing, construction and other enterprises” Minister Jordan stated.

The 2019 National Budget amounts $300.7Billion and was yesterday presented under the theme “Transforming the Economy, Empowering the People, Building Sustainable Communities for the Good Life”.

Isaiah Braithwaite

Image: Keno George