Hundreds of residents in Region Two (Pomeroon – Supenaam) who secured employment through the government’s part-time jobs initiative were paid for the first time on Wednesday.
They turned out in their numbers at the Regional Democratic Council Office in Anna Regina, many in high praise to the government.
Each person received $40, 000 for works done for 10 days in June at several government agencies and departments throughout the region; they were paid cash for the month of June.
Over 1,500 persons were employed in Region Two as part of the initiative with thousands more employed in other regions.
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had initially committed to providing 800 of these jobs along the Essequibo Coast, however, this amount was increased after the government received some 2, 500 applications.
The government took an aggressive step to provide some 1,200 additional part-time jobs along the Essequibo Coast, making way for 2, 000 residents to gain employment through the massive recruitment drive.
Successful applicants signed one-year contractual agreements and began working from June 01 to May 2023.
The workers have already made requests for the initiative to be extended beyond one year.
Julia Thompson is one of the persons who secured employment. She explained that it was helpful since she is a single mother of two children. She works at the Bethany Health center.
“This job has really helped financially because of all the prices that have gone up with food and everything. We really appreciate the support from the government with the programme and we want to see more people employed and given the opportunity to work,” she said.
Rushell Williams secured a teaching assistant position at the Abram Zuil Nursery School.
“I am married, I have three kids and this job is really helping me a lot. I am enjoying it,” she said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Michelle Hendricks who works at the Department of Education as a Librarian.
“I am a single mother of two children and this part time work has really been good to me.
The employment drive caters to one person per household to be employed, with the long-term intention to hire as many persons as possible.
The job opportunities allow for the employees to work for 10 days and earn up to $40,000. The work is being offered in specific areas within government ministries including health, agriculture, education and local government.
