– 4.66B disbursed nationwide
More than 19,000 Guyanese have so far benefitted from the government’s Regional Economic Transformation (RET) Programme, with over $4.66 billion disbursed to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises nationwide.
This was disclosed by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, during her response to questions for written responses in the National Assembly on Friday last.
Projects supported under the programme vary across regions and encompass a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, livestock rearing, aquaculture, apiculture (beekeeping), cottage industries, vending and other income-generating activities.
According to the minister, as of October 31, 2025, a total of $4.66 billion from the programme’s approved $5 billion allocation had been distributed across all administrative regions, except Region Nine.
The initiative has benefitted exactly 19,301 persons to date, providing startup funding to help entrepreneurs and small business owners advance their ventures to the take-off stage.
“The programme seeks to effectively create and facilitate employment opportunities within communities across the country while supporting the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises,” the minister noted.
She added that the initiative also plays an important role in promoting social and cultural cohesion while encouraging economic empowerment among citizens.
The RET Programme forms part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen local economies, expand entrepreneurship and create sustainable livelihoods throughout Guyana.