Govt setting up small businesses for Buxtonians

On Saturday, Government continued it’s engagement and outreach in Buxton aimed at helping the residents to tap into the available government services, and loans available to start-up small businesses.

It was noted that this resulted in a follow-up community meeting with the residents who were eager to listen to the team of Ministers and officials who were present. Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond and Public Affairs Minister, Kwame McCoy spearheaded the meeting to Buxton.

Walrond while addressing residents, stressed the government’s commitment to supporting residents to establish the small businesses that are sustainable. The minister said this support was necessary so that the small businesses can grow and thrive as the economy booms.

“This is for business development… and business development speaks to you having a business, being able to support you with that business so that your business can grow…the idea is for you to become so independent, so self-sufficient that your business thrives,” the minister said.

Minister Walrond further noted that businesses must be registered properly. As such, she explained that persons must have their documentations in order with respect to National Insurance Scheme (NIS), and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) before they are considered for a business loan.

The minister noted further, that each business idea will be assessed to determine how much resources are needed to start or develop the businesses. Meanwhile, minister McCoy informed the residents that his government wants to see the people of Buxton growing economically stronger.

The minister assured them of government support as he said if the residents of Buxton win, then ‘we all win’. Mc Coy was adamant that residents must work diligently on their plans and proposals for their own businesses.

“We are looking forward to working with you and to make sure we can work in a way that have us in a win-win situation where the people of Buxton/Friendship can grow economically and we as a society can benefit from the growth of those who reside and who are participants of business,” minister McCoy stressed.

In a media related interview with residents, they expressed their gratitude to the government for providing timely assistance to the residents of Buxton, and surrounding communities. Seia Monplasair, an entrepreneur, said she is pleased that the government take to the ground to address the needs of citizens.

“It’s great that the ministers come to Buxton to see what the people need and in terms of the small business. I think it’s a good initiative that the minister is doing,” she said.

Michael Swain, another resident noted, “within the new year we are looking forward for whatever the government has to assist we pertaining to small business and stuff.” Meanwhile, Rawle Sam, a farmer disclosed his plans to pursue the small business grant to purchase more livestock and uplift his business.

Buxton/Foulis NDC Chairman Roger Evelyn also joined the residents in expressing gratitude for the Ministers visit to the community. He stressed that “these engagements are very beneficial to the community”.

“We look forward to the names on the database generated from the information collected here today to be used so that the persons who reside in the Buxton/ Foulis areas are able to partake in the development in Guyana. We hope they can take advantage of the training and opportunities available to small businesses through the small business bureau who was present here today. I would like to express my gratitude to Ministers Oneidge Waldron and Kwame Mccoy for the follow up visit here in Buxton”, he stressed.

Community engagement

Additionally, it was noted during the meeting citizens raised a number of concerns with the ministers. As such, the issues were discussed and will be addressed soon.

It was revealed on July 4, 2022, various ministers within the Irfaan Ali led government held an outreach at Buxton, East Coast Demerara to address various developmental issues affecting the community. It was revealed at that meeting, which was led by Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, assured residents of Buxton and other communities that “Now is the time for development in Guyana, and Buxton will not be left out; no village will be left out.” Phillips said successive PPP/C governments have always put forward a ‘people centered’ development plan.

As such, “President, Irfaan Ali and his cabinet continue to engage citizens in every community, listening to the concerns of the people, and providing solutions as far as practicable.”