Canada, UNICEF in $495M project for vulnerable Region One residents
Canada and UNICEF yesterday announced a threeyear project worth $495m geared to provide services to vulnerable residents of Region One (Barima/ Waini).
Following a recent visit to Region 1 by Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark K. Berman and UNICEF Country Representative Nicolas Pron, both organizations have signed to the threeyear CAD$3M project that will tackle some of the concerns expressed by stakeholders in the Region.
On Tuesday 23rd March, 2021, Berman, Pron and their teams held several meetings with the Region 1 authorities during a visit to Mabaruma, to better understand the living situation of children, women, other residents and migrants in the area.
A joint release yesterday from Ottawa and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said that wide-ranging discussions were held with Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley and heads of various agencies in the region, as well as with Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Mabaruma, Chris Phang and Carolyn Robinson and their officers.
The release said that the Canadian and UNICEF teams also met with Regional Health Officer Dr. Steven Cheefoon and Deputy Chairman of the Khan’s Hill Community Development Council, Sharmaine Smith. The officials spoke of some of the pressing issues they face in the Region including the influx of Venezuelan migrants, access to the public health system, solid waste disposal, unemployment and the revival of agriculture.
Under the project, funding will be provided to support health, education and other services in the communities in Region 1 and other regions demonstrating need.
In his remarks during the signing ceremony, Berman stated, ”We are delighted to partner with UNICEF on this project which will help to 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 those facing increased vulnerabilities do not fall further behind in recovering from the pandemic”.
Pron remarked, “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 authorities on the ground under the Emergency/Migrant Res-ponse programme and there have been positive results. This project will ensure that the most vulnerable, including children, have access to key services; together with the Region 1 authorities, we are building a better, safer, and healthier future for everyone and every child.”
The release noted that the UNICEF Guyana and Suriname Country Office and the Canadian High Commission had previously worked together on the distribution of female oriented family hygiene kits and hygiene promotion activities in the Region as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.