Some $113 million has been pumped into the local economy in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and is expected to see several small businesses directly benefiting from it.
Region Six residents collecting their SLED grants
On Sunday persons who were recipients of the $100,000 cash grant which was distributed in October under the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) Programme were re-issued due to several errors.
Additionally, persons who did not turn up to collect their cheques in October were able to collect them on Sunday.
One person told the Guyana Times that she had applied for the grant and it was approved but at the time to collect same, she was imprisoned.
The activity at the Berbice High School saw over 100 cheques being disbursed totalling over $113 million
Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Anand Persaud who was at the exercise pointed out that the distribution was separate from the much-anticipated $100,000 grant, which will be available to every Guyanese over the age of 18 starting January 1, 2025.
“This grant is not related to the $100,000 for every Guyanese 18 year and over that will begin in January,” Persaud emphasized.
“I want to remind you that this is a continuation of the SLED Programme, and while we have had some hiccups in the past, we are working tirelessly to ensure that everyone receives their support.”
“The festive season has already dawned upon us and I want to ask you to spend this money wisely, it is a season for sharing and a season for giving; the males will say it is a season for drinking, but you had the whole year of drinking – some of you. Utilise this $100,000 wisely; if you will indulge be safe on the roadways because we want to have an accident-free season,” the Minister admonished.
Meanwhile, Delawarie Baldeo, a seamstress thanked the government for the SLED grant and stated that she was going to use it to expand her business.
“I have plans to use the funds to purchase threads, needles, and other materials for her sewing business,” she explained.
“I am so happy and thankful for this gift, it is a big help for me as a single parent. I will use the money to start a small business selling finger foods,” Slyvanie Cummings, a single mother told this publication.
Another resident, Abiola Graves from Caracas, West Canje was also elated to have benefitted from the grant.
“The first time, my name was not spelt right, and I was told to wait two weeks. I was a little disappointed, but now I am happy because it came at the right time, just before Christmas…”
Brandis Joseph who was hospitalised when the distribution was done in October, in expressing application said he will be putting the grant to good use. “I am hustling to get a roof over my head and this will help,” he said.
