Project for more effective engagement with diaspora underway

Minister of State,  Joseph Harmon yesterday said that the Government is committed to working with the Guyanese diaspora as he  declared open the Regional Project for “Effective and Sustainable Diaspora Engagement for Development in the Caribbean”.

A release from the Ministry of the Presidency said the project focuses on providing entrepreneurs of Guyanese origin residing overseas with an opportunity to explore prospects for setting up small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their home country based on an assessment of the major sectors.

Tagged “Go See Visit 2017”, the event is part of a regional project being undertaken  by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

From left: Clifton McDonald, Representative of the Diaspora; Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Owen Verwey; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Regional Coordination Officer and Chief of Mission, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Guyana, Robert Natiello and Head of the Diaspora Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Michael Brotherson with the participants from the three countries. (Ministry of the Presidency photo)
A section of the attendees at the opening ceremony of the workshop, held at the Pegasus Hotel earlier yesterday. (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

The release said that it is focused on complementing the engagement strategy now being developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Citizenship and the Ministry of Business and Tourism to garner resources and facilitate the transfer of skills and knowledge, thus increasing diaspora involvement in Guyana’s development.

Ten participants, drawn from Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States will attend workshops, interact with local stakeholders and agencies, and conduct site visits.

This initiative will also help to establish networks and create opportunities for new and innovative entrepreneurship initiatives, the release said.