Residents of Kuru Kururu are being encouraged to strengthen their cooperation with government agencies and take full advantage of programmes designed to improve living standards, support small businesses and create greater economic opportunities within their community.
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Public Affairs and Information, Kwame McCoy, and Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn, met with residents on Saturday as part of the government’s ongoing community outreach programme aimed at addressing concerns and ensuring that public services respond effectively to citizens’ needs.
The engagement provided residents with an opportunity to raise issues relating to land occupancy, electricity, water supply, road infrastructure and other community development priorities. Discussions also focused on access to business financing, technical training, education and social support initiatives.
Minister McCoy emphasised that direct interaction between government representatives and citizens remains essential to effective governance, allowing officials to assess conditions on the ground, monitor development projects and identify matters requiring urgent attention.
Residents of Kuru Kururu
He explained that regular community engagements help the government better understand the challenges facing residents while ensuring that ongoing initiatives deliver meaningful improvements to their daily lives.
“The only way we can be able to manage effectively and in a way that continuously give attention to the matters that concern our citizens is by also being with and among you in your community,” Minister McCoy stated.
The minister acknowledged the progress already achieved in Kuru Kururu, highlighting improvements in road infrastructure, the development of recreational facilities and investments by residents in upgrading their homes.
However, he recognised that several outstanding issues still require attention and reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration between residents, community leaders and government agencies to develop practical solutions.
Minister McCoy stressed that community development is a shared responsibility requiring active participation, constructive dialogue and cooperation among all stakeholders.
“Really truly and ideally it is about us together working for solutions to the issues and challenges that exist within the communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister Vanessa Benn highlighted several government programmes intended to expand economic opportunities, particularly for young people, entrepreneurs and families seeking to improve their financial circumstances.
She drew attention to the Guyana Development Bank, which officially commenced operations on October 5, 2026, as an important initiative aimed at improving access to financing for eligible small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Under the programme, qualifying applicants can access interest-free loans of up to G$3 million without collateral to establish new businesses or expand existing enterprises.
Minister Benn encouraged residents to explore these financing opportunities, noting that access to affordable capital could help individuals become financially independent, create employment and contribute to economic activity within their communities.
However, she reminded prospective applicants that the financing is provided through repayable loans rather than government grants.
“It’s a loan, it’s not a grant,” Minister Benn explained, emphasising that repayment is necessary to ensure that additional entrepreneurs can benefit from the programme.
The minister also encouraged residents to participate in government-supported skills training, technical education and certification programmes designed to improve employability and earning potential.
She noted that acquiring practical skills and recognised qualifications can provide individuals, especially young people, with greater opportunities to secure employment, establish businesses and achieve long-term financial stability.
“The opportunities are provided so that you can become more equipped technically, you can become certified, and you have the opportunity to earn, and earn more,” she stated.
The discussions reinforced the government’s emphasis on combining infrastructure development with economic empowerment, ensuring that communities benefit not only from improved public facilities but also from opportunities for personal and professional advancement.
Both ministers urged residents to maintain regular communication with community representatives and relevant government agencies to ensure that outstanding concerns are properly addressed.
The engagement forms part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen community participation, improve public service delivery and expand access to development opportunities across Guyana, while ensuring that communities such as Kuru Kururu continue to benefit from national progress.