–more persons to benefit from this initiative, officials say
ENSURING that equal opportunities are extended to all Guyanese so that they could create better lives for themselves and their families, the Government of Guyana through the Small Business Bureau (SBB), issued small, zero-interest loans to eight persons living with disabilities who are looking to expand and grow their businesses.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, told the Guyana Chronicle that it was a “no-brainer” for the government to invest in this initiative.
According to her: “This initiative is a perfect example of the One Guyana philosophy, where inclusivity and fairness are for all Guyanese regardless of race, religion, where you come from, or without fear or favour.
Since our government took office in 2020, we have always considered the vulnerable in our communities, and persons with disabilities are only one segment of the population that we are working [with] to ensure that our policies cater for them.
“Our aim is to help the people, especially those who cannot help themselves or are at a disadvantage because of a disability.”
Noting that the small loan is not a “one-off” opportunity, but rather an ongoing manifestation of the government’s policy, Minister Walrond said this is an extension of the government’s love for and dedication to the citizens of Guyana.
“The opportunities that are created by this government for individuals with disabilities are endless, for true inclusion and wealth creation in our economy.
Through these opportunities, we are confident that expansions will happen with these participants that are here today, and others going forward.
“I see those persons becoming employers and owning their own medium-sized businesses through the flourishing of their business ventures. We also want them to know that they are a compelling segment of the economy, and a true engine of growth, with so much innovation amongst them.
This is where we are as a country, where innovation is being promoted, incentivised, and propels us into the future, for 2025, 2030, and beyond.”
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Small Business Bureau (SBB), Shazim Ibrahim, said: “We are happy to be a part of this initiative where we get an opportunity to help [persons living with disabilities] with a loan.
What we found is that many of the people with disabilities want to grow their small businesses, but they do not have the collateral to get a loan from a bank, and a grant is sometimes not enough for them to get to where they want it to go.
“This was a big plus for us when we started to design this programme; we had in mind the people with disabilities because now they can access a loan that has no collateral and zero interest.”
Being optimistic about the longevity of the initiative, Ibrahim said: “This programme is going to grow at a phenomenal rate, with more people coming on board. Currently, we have about 15 other people who are already showing interest in coming on board, but obviously we have to do our due diligence to ensure that they are doing what is necessary.”
Ibrahim also said that the bureau’s intentions are to approve at least 30 more loans for persons living with disabilities by the end of 2024.
While receiving his cheque for $500,000, one of the recipients thanked the government and the Small Business Bureau for investing in persons living with disabilities, so that persons like himself could elevate themselves through their businesses.
“This is a historic event for persons with disabilities, especially those venturing off into entrepreneurship.
Yes, we have had initiatives in the past, but I think that this one is significant because it gives persons with disabilities the independence to set up and get additional loans in the future, as long as their business is sustainable.
“I believe in self-employment and self-sufficiency…for those that [sic] are here, I want to say continue to push your business [sic]. Now we have support from the government and small businesses. I also want to thank the government on behalf of myself and others for ensuring that persons with disabilities are included.
Definitely, over the past years, we have seen inclusion when it comes to the programmes and policies of the government, and I must say that it is well recognised. We are looking forward to seeing much [sic] more programmes and initiatives to benefit our community,” he said.
Each of the eight recipients who come from Regions Two, Three, Four, and 10, received a cheque for $500,000 to invest in their own businesses.
Also at the event was the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, who shared similar sentiments as Minister Walrond as to the importance of inclusion in today’s society.
