Guyana Commissions First Modern Business Centre for Persons with Disabilities

June 5 2025- A major milestone in inclusive development was achieved on Monday with the commissioning of the Center for Equity, Opportunity and Innovation at the Empower Guyana building in Palmyra, East Berbice-Corentyne.

The facility, which supports more than 120 persons with disabilities (PWDs), is the first of its kind in Guyana and the wider English-speaking Caribbean.

The modern business center was designed specifically with and for persons with disabilities, offering them a pathway to economic independence and professional empowerment.

The Center provides a wide range of services and products, including web and tech support, garment making, catering, craft production, and souvenir sales.

Many of these items are available in an on-site retail space that showcases goods from entrepreneurs and artisans with disabilities.

Beyond commercial activities, the Center is equipped with a therapy room, dedicated training facilities, and a shade house operated by its staff. It will also serve as a hub for ongoing skills training and business development aimed at building capacity and supporting long-term economic participation for PWDs.

This initiative is part of a broader vision to integrate infrastructure, social services, and innovation in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. It moves away from charity-based approaches and instead focuses on empowerment and sustainable development.

The project was made possible through collaboration with several key partners, including the Ministry of Housing and Water, the Regional Democratic Council of Region Six, the Chinese Embassy, and private sector sponsors such as Home Zone Guyana, Impressions Branding, J’s Supermarket, Cell Phone Shack, I & R Construction, and BM Soat Auto Sales.

(From the Office of the First Lady- Mrs Arya Ali)