Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat on Friday provided residents and loggers in Region Six with an update on government’s plans to establish a furniture and joinery facility in East Berbice.
The facility is intended to create additional employment and economic opportunities for residents, particularly those in communities where farming and logging are major economic activities.
Minister Bharrat told the residents that they will be trained by the Guyana Forestry Commission in furniture-making, including the production of household and general furniture making items.
“We are going to set up a full-fledged furniture shop on the East Bank of Berbice,” the minister explained, noting that the facility will provide residents with the skills needed to produce furniture for schools, homes and other establishments.
He added that the initiative is intended to assist in efforts to create more opportunities for residents to gain skills and earn an income within their communities.
Meanwhile, the minister announced that a jewellery-making course will also be held in Berbice before the end of the year.
The training will be offered free of cost and will seek to equip participants with skills in jewellery-making and assist those interested in establishing themselves as legal businesses or seeking employment opportunities.
Minister Bharrat said the initiatives formed part of several decisions reached during his engagement with loggers and residents in the region.
He added that this will see an investment coast of nearly GYD$5m by government as it continues to work on reducing hardships around the country.
The minister was also pleased with the feedback received by residents during his outreach.