Skills training, financing for small businesses and further infrastructure works were among the opportunities highlighted during a ministerial visit to Albouystown on Wednesday afternoon.
Residents met with government representatives to raise concerns affecting their neighbourhood and learn about services available to them.
Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, pointed to a partnership between his ministry and Boss Lady salon, through which 150 young people from the community received training.
“We want to encourage businesses to grow, encourage young people to get involved in constructive things that can actually help them,” Jacobs said.
He encouraged young residents to contact the relevant ministries for information on programmes and take steps to participate.
Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith also urged residents to acquire skills and further their education to take advantage of employment opportunities in Guyana’s expanding economy.
“The best way to do that is to get a skill, get upskilled, position yourself,” he said.
Griffith encouraged those pursuing business ventures to apply for financing through the Guyana Development Bank.
The visit also addressed improvements to the community’s infrastructure. Jacobs highlighted recently paved streets and the lit boulevard, noting that these provide recreational space for families. He said concrete alleyways are also planned to complement the paved roads.
Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn, said the walkthrough allowed residents to engage government representatives directly on issues affecting their community.
Representatives from the various ministries were on hand to respond to concerns, including housing matters.
