The Canadian Government together with UNICEF Guyana have signed a three-year CAD $ 3 million project to support vulnerable Guyanese.
In a statement on Thursday, the Canadian High Commission in Georgetown, following a recent visit to Region One (Barima-Waini) by the Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman and UNICEF Country Representative Nicolas Pron said both organizations have signed projects that will addresses some of the concerns expressed by stakeholders in the region.
On Tuesday, High Commissioner Berman, UNICEF Pron Representative and their teams held several meetings with Region One authorities during a joint mission to Mabaruma, to better understand the living situation of children, women, other residents, and migrants in the area.
The statement said there were wide-ranging discussions with Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley and various heads of agencies in the region, along with Mabaruma Mayor and Deputy Mayor Chris Phang and Carolyn Robinson and their officials. The Canadian and UNICEF teams also met with Regional Health Officer Dr Steven Cheefoon and Deputy Chairman of Khan’s Hill Community Development Council (CDC) Sharmaine Smith. Officials shared some of the pressing issues they face including the influx of Venezuelan migrants, access to the public health system, solid waste disposal, unemployment and agricultural resuscitation.
Through this project, funding is provided to support health, education and other community-based services in Region One and other regions that demonstrate need.
In his remarks at the signing ceremony, High Commissioner Berman said, “We are delighted to partner with UNICEF on this project which will help address some of the issues raised with us during our recent trip, including helping to build community, childcare and education. services and facilities in an effort to ensure that those facing more vulnerabilities do not fall further behind in recovering from the pandemic ”.
Meanwhile, UNICEF Pron Representative stated, “This partnership with the Canadian High Commission comes at a critical time as we work together to ensure that no one is left behind as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2018, UNICEF has been supporting grassroots authorities under the Emergency Response / Migrant program with positive results. This project will ensure that the most vulnerable, including children, have access to key services; together with the Region One authorities, we are building a better, safer and healthier future for everyone and every child. ”
UNICEF’s Guyana and Suriname Country Office and the Canadian High Commission had previously collaborated on the distribution of women-centered family hygiene kits and hygiene promotion activities in the Region as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
