Women, youths to benefit from jobs as major projects are set to enhance Essequibo Coast

New investments and initiatives will soon be rolled out in the Cinderella County with the sole underlying purpose of creating high-value jobs for women and youth, said President Dr Irfaan Ali.
The Head of State spoke about his Government’s plans to further enhance the lives of Essequibians, during the opening of the Essequibo Expo 2023 on Friday evening in Anna Regina.
Before the end of the year, recruitment will commence for the two new call centres in Essequibo, employing more than 400 persons by March 2024.
“This is not talk, this is delivery on promise. This is delivery on commitment…Together, we are on a journey of building a strong and resilient Guyana; a Guyana in which our prosperity must go and contribute to the regional prosperity in Caricom,” Ali asserted.
The second project, in collaboration with the private sector, will see the development of a world-class glamping facility and wellness centre which will see 50 per cent women and youth involvement.

“These are investments that we are planning to expand your economy, to diversify your economy here in Essequibo, to create more jobs, to create newer and higher value jobs and to create higher skilled jobs. Together, we are on a journey of building a strong and resilient Guyana.”
Government is making investments so that persons can become trained teachers right within the comfort of the region. In addition, he noted that the state-of-the-art cricket stadium being developed on the Essequibo Coast will see the hosting of world-class cricket matches. Negotiations are underway with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to bring the Women’s T20 tournament to Guyana and Essequibo in 2025, further cementing the link between investment and opportunity.
This time around, the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) successfully hosted the expo commonly referred to as “Essequibo Night”, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd to support local small businesses.
With approximately 80 booths showcasing a wide range of products and services, the event served as a catalyst for economic growth and empowerment in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region.

The expo intended to strengthen the small business community in Essequibo by providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their offerings. Visitors were captivated by the diverse array of innovative products and services on display, ranging from organic produce to handcrafted goods.
Coordinator of the ECCI, Rawle Pearce emphasised the importance of supporting and nurturing small businesses. By providing a platform for visibility and growth, he noted that the Chamber aims to foster economic development and create a thriving business ecosystem in the region.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva echoed the same sentiment, adding that the Expo not only showcased the entrepreneurial spirit of Essequibo but also highlighted the region’s potential as a hub for small business development. It served as a reminder of the importance of investing in local enterprises, ultimately contributing to the overall economic growth and prosperity of the community.
Entrepreneurs seized the opportunity to network, establish new partnerships, and gain exposure for their ventures.
Savina Sukhnandan, owner of Lilly’s Organics, expressed her gratitude, stating, “The agro expo was a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with the local community and showcase our products. The overwhelming support received has given us the confidence to expand our business further.” (G12)