Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, highlighted the importance of community development this afternoon as he commissioned a community bakery at Capoey, Pomeroon—Supenaam (Region Two).
The Prime Minister was joined for the ceremonial opening by Her Excellency First Lady Arya Ali, Founder of the Guyana Foundation, Supriya Singh-Bodden CCH and Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, His Excellency Mark Berman.
The Sunrise Bakery, which will create employment for 18 residents of the community, was constructed and furnished by The Guyana Foundation, in collaboration with the Canadian High Commission, through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.
Prime Minister Phillips in his remarks said that the gesture contributes to the overall empowerment of the Capoey residents.
“More countries are recognising the importance of strengthening the economies of their rural communities to provide a better quality of life to the people through increased investments, policies and programmes that can support these communities to become economically vibrant and sustainable. In Guyana, this goal has always been placed as a top priority for the PPP/C Administration.”
The Prime Minister commended the Guyana Foundation for working closely with the community to identify and develop the initiative.
“While every community has different needs and opportunities for investment, working closely with these communities to develop priorities that meet those needs is what is important… through this initiative, we are reassured that there are stakeholders in our country who hold the commitment and the passion for capacity building and advancement of our people in high regard”.
He added that his Government is committed to ensuring that indigenous communities across the country benefit from similar initiatives.
“Your Government remains dedicated to ensuring that more such projects see the light of day in all indigenous communities in Guyana and we assure you that this will be the reality from hereon as we continue to work in the best interest of our people”.
Singh-Bodden said that the bakery was constructed at a cost of approximately $15M. She added that it is equipped with all new and modern industrial-sized bakery equipment.
It will also employ 17 females and one male from the community who have all been trained in financial management. According to the charitable trust founder the 18 residents will manage the affairs of the business and remit the proceeds to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council for the benefit of the community.
She also expects the business to add value to the village economy by encouraging residents to produce more.
“We have encouraged the women to bring in other products such as craft, cassareep and other things because if tourism picks up in the village, and I’m sure it will, they can make an income in addition to the baked goods which they will sell to the community and surrounding areas… the bakery is also going to need other supplies like chicken, mince and eggs and this will stimulate the production of these items by villagers to supply the bakery”.
High Commissioner Berman commended the inclusion of women in the initiative.
“We know that when women are empowered and gender equality is achieved, communities and economies thrive… that’s why we are so pleased to partner with the Guyana Foundation on this project, it will ensure that indigenous women of this community have access to equal opportunities and employment…we know that this is going to have far-reaching effects”.
Also present at the ceremony were Regional Chairman, Pomeroon – Supenaam, Vilma DeSilva and Toshao of Capoey Village, Ralph Hendricks.
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