Guyana Youth Business Summit Grants Handed Over

-Government continues to deliver on its promise to empower and develop Guyana’s Youth 

Georgetown, Guyana – (November 9, 2018) The Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Youth, on Friday, November 9, 2018, conducted a simple but meaningful ceremony in the boardroom of the Ministry to formally hand over grants which were awarded to participants of the concluded Guyana Youth Business Summit which was held from May 23 – 24, 2018 at the Pegasus Hotel.

Young entrepreneurs from across the Ten Administrative Regions were given the opportunity to engage in discussions on starting and developing their businesses. During the Summit, 11 participants were declared winners of the ‘Jaguar’s Den Competition’ and were selected for grant funding to develop their proposed businesses.

The hosting of the Summit was guided by the National Youth Policy of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana’ (NYP), Policy Priority 2, ‘Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship’ (Pg.15); the event provided the opportunity for young people to garner support from the Department of Youth to execute their respective ventures.

During the handing over ceremony, the recipients lauded the administration’s drive to develop and sustain an environment which fosters initiatives to target youth development in various sectors.

Ishabeth and Michael Sinclair, both residents of Region Six are young entrepreneurs; under the age of 30. They expressed appreciation not only for the grant to further develop their business but also for the Leadership Training which they received through the Department of Youth.

The Sinclairs are the founders and owners of M and I Business Enterprise. M and I is an agro-processing venture which produces, cake-mix, pepper sauce and a variety of spices which are already on the shelves of leading supermarkets.

“The company is growing – right now, we are looking to expand. We plan to add another piece of equipment to the current operation and complete the construction of the facility which houses the operation with this grant,” Ishabeth Sinclair explained.

“This company is not only for us; it is for the development of our community as well. As the company grows, we will be able to employ more persons. We currently have two persons employed,” Ms. Sinclair added.

Jewel Collier-Swan, along with three colleagues, are currently operating at Hubu in Parika. She also discussed their venture and the benefits the grant will bring to its development.

“This business is basically a start-up; although we were all involved in some aspect of farming prior to this. The focus right now is cassava and adding value to the product through the manufacturing process. We have started producing cassava flour under the brand “Guyana’s Own” and we have prospects of diversifying our product line. Cassava is a product which can be converted to so many end products, and this grant will assist in the process,” Collier-Swan said

Another recipient, Vanita Savory, also expressed appreciation and disclosed that the grant will assist in the construction of a facility to house her business. Through her venture, she hopes to introduce fresh mushrooms to the Guyanese market.

Assistant Director of Youth, Leslyn Boyce, who is currently acting in the capacity of Director of Youth, in her closing remarks, pledged continued support to the development and empowerment of youth on behalf of the Government through the Department of Youth.

“This Department will continue to provide you with the skills and resources to develop yourselves as individuals and empower you to make meaningful contributions to your communities,” Boyce said.

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