First Lady Arya Ali on Wednesday commissioned the Centre for Equity, Opportunity and Innovation at the Empower Guyana building in Palmyra, Region Six.
The state-of-the-art facility, designed by and for persons with disabilities (PWDs), is the first of its kind in Guyana and the English-speaking Caribbean.
The new centre provides more than 120 individuals with disabilities access to services and employment in fields such as web development, tech repairs, garment-making, catering, craft, and souvenir production.
Many of these products are available for purchase at the on-site retail space, which also stocks goods from other entrepreneurs living with disabilities.
Beyond economic opportunities, the centre features a therapy room, training facilities, and a shade house operated by the team. Continuous skills training and business development support will also be provided to ensure sustained growth and independence for PWDs.
“This isn’t charity,” First Lady Ali posited. “This Centre is an embodiment of our commitment to inclusive development. It reflects our belief that infrastructure, social services, and innovation must come together to transform lives, especially for the most vulnerable in our society.”
The First Lady also acknowledged the partners and sponsors who helped make the initiative a reality, including the Ministry of Housing and Water, the Regional Democratic Council of Region Six, the Chinese Embassy, Home Zone Guyana, Impressions Branding, J’s Supermarket, Cell Phone Shack, and BM Soat Auto Sales.
