20 groups benefit from SLED in 2017

DPI, Guyana, Monday, June 25, 2018

Some twenty (20) groups in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Seven, Eight Nine and Ten benefitted from the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme in 2017.

This was disclosed by Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally through a written response circulated today in the National Assembly. Said that $100Million was allocated for the projects in 2017.

In response to questions posed by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Vindhya Persaud, Minister Ally explained that in 2017, the ministry engaged in participatory engagements with the beneficiaries to confirm their ‘buy-in’ and finalise the components of the projects.

Additionally, engagements were conducted in the required procurement process for the awarding of contracts for civil works and the securing of equipment and supplies. The ministry also monitored the construction works and the purchase and delivery of items.

The groups were registered under the Cooperatives Act 88:01. Two groups were established in Region One; four in Region Two; one in Region Three; three in Region Four; three in Region Five; one in Region Seven, one in Region Eight, three in Region Nine and two in Region 10. These groups had become fully operational by the end of 2017.

The SLED initiative is designed to provide support for the expansion of the local economy in communities across the country and to aid small enterprises with the goal of stimulating youth employment.

Among projects executed by the groups includes poultry, pig, and sheep rearing, garment construction centres, multipurpose complex, block making establishments, shade house cultivation and baking and catering establishments.

By: Synieka Thorne.