Canadian project to boost regional entrepreneurship
A one-month economic development project being implemented in Guyana by a Canadian-based group could provide assistance to other Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries, say organisers.
The initiative by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is due to begin this month and conclude by April.
The project will be facilitated in partnership with stakeholders at the local government level, the aim of which is to support expansion of entrepreneurship endeavours by small producers and manufacturers.
The project has already been discussed with government officials including President Donald Ramotar who met with FCM International Director Sebastien Hamel and Project Director Naresh Singh.
The new project will be targeting communities across the country including those in the hinterland and the coastland with intensive investment on the ground for the first three years and, a model to be shared with Caricom.
Hamel said that FCM International has 100 years experience in the field of collaboration with municipalities in various countries, adding that the project has been endorsed by Guyana.
“Both the head of the presidential secretariat and the president have deep interest in this project for us to go forward,” Hamel said.
Devine said he regarded the project as another step towards closer sustainable relationship between Guyana and Canada.
Minister in the Ministry of Local Government Norman Whittaker said that new project would serve to provide the kind of guidance that is needed in the full utilisation of the country’s resources.
He said Guyana has tremendous resources but what is needed is some building of capacity, guidance on choices of how to use the resources to help create jobs and provide more earnings for people.