Review selection criteria for small business grant recipients

Dear Editor,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concerns about the recent allocation of small business grants in our community of Yakusari and I am positive about other communities as well. It has come to my attention that only a specific group of individuals, particularly the 10-day workers in my community, were selected to receive the grant, while many others were left unaware and excluded from this opportunity.

The intent behind offering assistance to small business owners is certainly commendable, as it aids in fostering economic growth and stability. However, the manner in which the selection process for grant recipients was conducted raises serious questions about fairness and transparency. The fact that only individuals who are affiliated with the councilor of Yakusari were given access to the grant is troubling and raises concerns about favouritism and bias.

In the article published by the Guyana Times newspaper, it was mentioned that 700 small business owners in Region Six received cash grants to support their business endeavors. However, the lack of clarity on how many of these recipients genuinely operate small businesses raises doubts about the effectiveness of this initiative. It is disheartening to witness a situation where the intended beneficiaries are not receiving the assistance they truly deserve.

Furthermore, the disparity between those who were able to benefit from the grant and those who were left out highlights the need for a more equitable and inclusive approach in the selection process. It is crucial for government initiatives to reach individuals who are genuinely in need, rather than being limited to a certain group of acquaintances.

I strongly urge our local government to review the selection criteria for grant recipients and ensure that the process is transparent, fair, and open to all eligible members of our communities throughout Guyana. By doing so, we can work towards achieving a more just and equitable distribution of resources that truly benefits the people in need.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope that through your platform, we can shed light on the disparities that exist and foster positive change within our community.

Sincerely,

D. Rosado