Guyana should lead in fixing financial barriers stacked against women entrepreneurs – Pres Ali

— says education, job opportunities will be enormous for women, youths

With the world continuing to grapple with issues suppressing the development and empowerment of women, Guyana is looking to lead the way in amplifying access to capital for women.

This is according to President Dr Irfaan Ali at the Influential Women and Youth Meeting held on Saturday at the Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) compound in Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast.
The President had led his Cabinet Ministers and other Government officials for a two-day visit to the region to address issues plaguing residents there.
During his address to scores of Essequibo women and youths, the Head of State announced a number of measures that will enhance the lives of women and young people in Region Two.

However, President Ali pointed out that in order for women to take advantage of some of these opportunities that will come their way, systems need to change and be structured.
“Access to capital is one of the things that women are challenged with. We have to work with the Private Sector on reducing the burdensome approach and, frankly speaking, the barriers that are stacked against women in accessing capital to form businesses and to open businesses. We have to fix this, this is a global problem, and we in Guyana should lead in an effort to fix this,” the President stated.
In addition, he also challenged the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond, to help develop an all-female resort in the region, which will empower women and serve as a tourism brand for the country.
Nevertheless, the Head of State’s focus at Saturday’s meeting, which culminated the two-day outreach to the Pomeroon-Supenaam region, was on the importance of education and the creation of opportunities through agriculture, health and ICTs. He detailed plans of his Government’s direction, encompassing a holistic approach to development.

The President spoke about opportunities and gave heartfelt advice to the youths on steps for their growth and progression in life.
High on the agenda would be the enhancement of ICTs, which will help to decentralise adult education and create job opportunities in the region.
“Very soon, the Minister of Finance [Dr Ashni Singh] will be back here talking to you about the job opportunities that will arise out of the investment in the ICT sector, jobs in call centres, and greater opportunities for you to study at home,” he disclosed.
According to President Ali, improvements to the sector would enhance online learning.
He noted that, “Education opportunities will be enormous. Housewives will have the opportunities to formalise their education by achieving degrees and diplomas. Girls who could not have completed their teachers’ certificates will be able to do that right from their homes.”
The President explained to the young people in the audience that there will be lots of opportunities in the health and education sectors, as well as the Joint Services. He pointed to several members of his Government, who would have advanced their careers over the years via these professions.
He told the youths that with a $2 billion hospital earmarked for Suddie, Essequibo Coast, opportunities will be available for nurses and other medical professionals. He also explained the benefits of the teaching and military professions and encouraged youngsters to apply for training programmes.
“We are encouraging you to submit your CVs so that you can be trained for these opportunities,” the President urged.
Further, President Ali contended that young people should also own their own homes. To this end, he promised to work to ensure that it happens not only in Region Two but across the country.
“Young people must be able to own homes and land, so they can qualify for loans and benefit from the equity value of that ownership,” he posited.
Although some persons might prefer to work in an office or in a more formal setting, the Head of State pointed to agriculture as a possible alternative.
He noted that the Government will look to open up new agricultural land to create more opportunities.
“Agriculture can be a transformation investment for your families and for yourselves.  It can be viable. Agriculture is not an option, but an opportunity,” the President stated.
The hope is not just to grow crops and raise animals but to create processing plants to produce shelf-ready items, he added.
A number of other speakers also took part in the forum, including Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira; Minister Walrond; Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Charles Ramson Jr; Public Service Minister, Sonia Parag and Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues.