Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Pryia Manickchand yesterday presented 60 women from Region Two with cheques under the Women of Worth programme.
According to the Government Information Agency, Manickchand said that this is a new beginning for the beneficiaries and noted that had it not been for the programme they would have been unable to acquire a loan from a commercial bank.
She emphasised that as a result of Government’s partnership with the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) the beneficiaries were able to obtain the loan without collateral. There is a six-month period before repayment commences.
Manickchand said that while this opportunity allows empowerment at the family and community levels it also has implications for the economy.
She noted that the enterprises including poultry farming and manufacturing of plantain flour which have been identified by the recipients will add to the growth of the country as productivity will increase.
It was noted that the WOW programme had its genesis in government wanting to maximize the potential of women.
According to the GINA release, Branch Manager GBTI, Mario Farinha noted that the financial institution is pleased with its partnership with Government to change the lives of the women.
It was noted that a vast majority of persons who signed up for the loan may not have received it as yet owing to the need for documentation and verification. However, the Ministry has been working with the applicants in sourcing some of the information, GINA added.
