Press Statement
Georgetown, Guyana, 24th August, 2022 – Earlier this week High Commissioner Mark Berman
and a team from the High Commission of Canada made a project monitoring visit to Region 7 to
engage with partners on the implementation of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI)
economic resilience project in the region.
The project is being executed by the Hope Foundation to provide critical support to the
communities currently hosting Venezuelan migrants. This project provides training and support
to migrants and local residents to improve their socio-economic situation. The on-going project
agenda through CFLI is geared towards addressing these issues.
Through the project being supported by Canada, on Monday staff from ten (10) service
provider agencies including the Guyana Police Force and the Bartica Hospital, were provided
with certificates after completing the First Responders for Psychological Support training to
work with Venezuelan migrants and other vulnerable clients.
High Commissioner Berman in his remarks at the ceremony quoted a statement by the Prime
Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, noting that the migrants are often on a journey marked by
trauma, barriers, and loss, and host communities like Region 7 needed to build its capacity to
address areas of vulnerability. He went on to congratulate the local governing bodies for their
work with regards to integrating the migrant families into the local communities.
“We must acknowledge the efforts of host countries like Guyana for their continued
commitment and demonstration of leadership in welcoming and integrating this massive surge
of people,” the High Commissioner stated.
“To the participants of the Psychological First Aid training, your expertise will be an integral
contribution to building a social infrastructure that will benefit not just the migrant families but
the broader community,” he added.
Mayor of Bartica, His Worship Gifford Marshall, recognised and welcomed the work of partners
in the region and singled out the Regional Education Officer and the Bartica Police Force who he
thanked for supporting the efforts of town to provide services to the migrant families. The
certificate ceremony was attended by representatives of these agencies who are currently
working closely with the Hope Foundation on the project. Representatives of International
migrant organisation, HIAS, were also present.
Another aspect of the visit included an on the ground visit to Iterballi and the surrounding
communities were the High Commissioner and team were able to meet with residents and
hand over care packages consisting of menstrual hygiene and sanitary products.
The High Commissioner noted that the access to clean sanitary and hygiene products was
limited for many persons and informed residents that in partnership with the Hope Foundation,
the High Commission hopes to support improving the standards of living for the families.
“Access to menstrual products is a basic necessity and a key part of sexual and reproductive
health and rights. That’s exactly why we are taking concrete steps to address the barriers
related to affordability,” he stated.
In addition to the Psychological First Aid training and distribution of sanitary and hygiene
products, the High Commission is also funding classes in cosmetology, food preparation and
catering services to provide the residents with income generating skills. Through the Hope
Foundation work will also be work done to improve the literacy levels of the residence and
provide job-readiness skills training, entrepreneurship, and small-business empowerment
classes. A total of 40 persons including both Guyanese and migrant residents will be trained.
The visit to the Region provided High Commissioner Berman with a first hand insight to work
the Government of Guyana is already doing and how Canada can further support the local
government and partner activities. On Monday High Commissioner Berman had one on one
meetings with Regional Chairman for Region 7, Mr. Kenneth Williams and Mayor Gifford
Marshall where he was informed of the priority areas of concern for the region and where
Canadian support would be most needed and beneficial.
The Hope Foundation has been working in Bartica for over to 20 years to provide community
based health, social and youth friendly services. Canada’s first project with the organisation was
in 1998 and this year the organisation has benefitted from funding through the CFLI to execute
this key project.
