The contributions IPED has made in the last 25 years to our country is more than remarkable and we are satisfied with the impact we have had on the small and micro entrepreneurs. We will continue to evolve policies and strategies that will foster enterprise development resulting in wealth creation and poverty reduction.

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence 1 Helen Keller Many of the achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged men who kept on working Promoting the Author Unknown Development of Youth Entrepreneurship 254 south road, bourda, Georgetown, Guyana CEO'S 226 4675, 225 8949 Applicants Fax: 223 7834 [email protected] MESSAGE should: www.ybi.com IPED is very much pleased to be a part of the success easy. All you have to do is visit our office and talk to Have a good or viable business idea or Region 1 Region 5 business plan. of so many entrepreneurs over the past 25 years. Those one of our officers or make a phone call and request Mabaruma 11 D'Edward Village Be unemployed or underemployed. listed in this book are only a handful of the thousands who that we come and visit you at your home or place of Be classified as being disadvantaged or West Bank Berbice were successful and their stories have been selected so business. All you need to start is your idea and we underprivileged. Region 2 Tel: 592-327-5367 that our readers and stakeholders can be inspired by their will help you develop it so that it becomes acceptable Have no access to capital or funding 54 Cotton Field innovation, dedication and hard work. Whilst we celebrate to meet our financing needs. Do not be intimidated from commercial financial institution. Essequibo Coast Region 6 Tel: 592-771-4298 1 Port Mourant our successes, we are also reminded of the thousands by the loan requirements, collateral or interest rates. Corentyne who started and were never able to complete their journey. We work with everyone who has a good business Services Region 3 Tel: 592-336-6171 We are happy that we were able to help people who were idea to ensure that their venture is successful. We will 312 Parika by the Guyana willing to help themselves. also let you know when your ideas are not viable and provided East Bank Essequibo Region 9 Youth Business Trust include: IPED is merely a facilitator in the successes of these practical. Tel: 592-260-4399 Lethem, Rupununi Tel: 592-772-2229 entrepreneurs. It is their resilience, vision and hard work In our work to develop enterprises, we were not alone. Business or Entrepreneurial Training. Region 4 that have brought them the success they celebrate today. We are very much grateful to all our stakeholders and The provision of credit or loans. IPED Building Region 10 The assignment of experienced and Many look at and admire entrepreneurs who are successful partners that have assisted us over the years. We are 253 South Road Hand-in-Hand Building Trained Business Mentors. and many try to emulate them and even try to rob them continuously looking for support and to forge alliances Bourda, Republic Avenue Ongoing business supervision by of their fortunes. However, not many are prepared to with any similar agencies, corporate entities, NGOs or Georgetown Linden Business Counsellors. go through the struggles that entrepreneurs endure. members of the donor community that have consistent Tel: 592-226-4675 Tel: 592-444-3001 Entrepreneurs have to constantly manoeuvre themselves objectives to ours. Join us as we work together to help through turbulent market conditions, natural disasters, those who are willing to help themselves. personal and domestic crisis, financial setbacks etc. and yet are on top of their game to deliver the best products openGuyana to all Guyanese betweenYouth the ages ofBusiness 18 and 35 years. Trust and services that meet the needs of their markets. IPED will continue to ensure that more entrepreneurs are To date GYBT has provided successful as we work towards providing the best service GYBT has partnered with the Inter-American GYBT is happy to be of service to its some (2,565) two thousand, Development Bank (IDB), in its quest to many Entrepreneurs and continues to our clients. Our goal is to get the entrepreneurs going Ramesh Persaud FCCA five hundred and sixty-five loans provide greater levels of assistance to young to seek more innovative methods of and keep them growing. To build a relationship with us is Chief Executive Officer at a value of ($403,000,000) entrepreneurs. This support took the form of providing greater levels of support four hundred and three million finance, training and networking with three other to the Guyanese Entrepreneurs. dollars, to young Guyanese international Youth Business Programmes (YBP) 2 Entrepreneurs. in the Caribbean. 3 Working Together with Our Customers CONTENTS for 25 years Message from the Chief Executive Officer 2 Guyana Youth Business Trust 3 The orgin and history of the Institute 6 Success stories 14 Entrepreneurial Development Centre 26 Success stories 27 Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre 31 Success stories 32 Make Educated and Healthy choices - HIV 35 Success stories 38 Violence Against Women A rice farmer from Corentyne. A joiner from No. 72. A poultry farmer from No 41 78, A wild meat trader from Princetown, Corriverton. A jeweller from Rodenrust, Success stories East Bank Essequibo. Their lives 42 are worlds apart. But they’re all connected by an essential Becoming an Entrepreneur daily need—to access, manage and grow their money. They 49 each need a financial partner that can make those transactions Living a Healthy Life for them fast, securely and accurately, but also one that can 51 find new and better ways, as part of a full relationship, to save them even more time and money. These are 25 of the stories of our 4,153 customers and how we’re working together with them to serve them better, satisfy all their financial needs and help them succeed financially.

4 5 IP

The capacity for hope is the most significant fact of life, it provides human beings with a sense of destination and the energy to get started. Author Unknown

EDThe origin and history of the Institute - Reflections by Dr. Yesu Persaud

Guyana as a country suffered A few companies weathered the storm due to astute Martin, a leading firm of Solicitors, a good friend of mine, had for Business Counsellors. A month earlier, a immensely under the yoke of state management by ensuring that the state did not interfere in the prepared the Memorandum and Articles of Association free of Guyanese/American Lawrence Correia who was control and the ideology of Co-operative affairs of the company. There was absolute need to rekindle cost. Mr Eric Clarke registered ISED as a Company limited by Controller and Project Officer of Pan American Socialism. The private sector in the the entrepreneurial spirit and immediate action was necessary to guarantee and it was incorporated on 2nd October, 1985. Development Foundation (PADF), was in Guyana. Cooperative Republic was considered revive the private sector starting with the small business sector. Management Services Ltd, a Company in which W. G. Stoll and I discussed funding with him but he wanted a exploiters and the word “profit” was This gave birth to my concept of the Institute of Small Enterprise Yesu Persaud had an interest, had done several training courses structure similar to the National Development considered sinful. The business sector Development (ISED). This name was changed a few years for Foundation for International Training (FIT) a CIDA-funded Foundations of the OECS which were partly funded was almost wiped out, a deliberate later to the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) to Canadian Institution. I had built up a close relationship with by PADF. He suggested a few names as Directors Government policy to destroy the reflect the bigger role the Institute was playing in the economy. the Executive Director, Ranjit Kumar and the Project Manager, who were associates of his when he was living in business sector as the Cooperative In September 1985, I discussed my concept of the “Institute” Roger Griffin. It was fortuitous that Roger Griffin was on a visit Guyana. Sector, in conjunction with the State with my good friend and colleague, W.G. Stoll, who hailed it to Guyana in October, 1985. The concept of the Institute was I informed him in no uncertain terms that the GSector was supposed to be the engine as an inspiration and promised me full support to get it off the discussed with him and he pledged full support for the “Institute.” structure he was suggesting would not work in to propel growth. However, both the ground. A Company limited by guarantee was the starting point. Once the Institute started business, FIT would finance the Guyana. They were static institutions. I wanted State and the Cooperative Sectors were I decided to ask persons with access to the political directorate to services of two Business Counsellors. I subsequently spoke a dynamic institution that would grow and prosper colossal failures resulting in the near be signatories to the Memorandum and Articles of Association, to the Executive Director of FIT, Ranjit Kumar, who supported helping people to help themselves. It seemed ruin of the country. they duly agreed. Mr Eric Clarke, Senior Partner of Clarke and Roger Griffin’s pledge that in addition FIT would provide training at the time, that two institutions would be set up,

CONTINUED

1986 1986 1987 1987 1988 1988 1989 1989 1990 1990

Chairman of IPED, Ms. Yasmin, a loan client First employee of IPED Client Mrs Cummings Canadian High Mrs Patricia Perreira President Desmond Hoyte British High Commission First Branch opened in Mr. Dewan Singh Dr Yesu Persaud who benefited in 1986 Mr. Jeff Adiken chatting attending to her litter of Commissioner displaying her locally presenting an award to assistance of a metal lathe Berbice Persaud, a boat builder receiving a cheque from involved in Balata craft. with a client Mrs. Eliza piglets. handing over the keys produced client of IPED to client Mr. Abdul Azeez. where business was from Mon Repos, Executive Vice President Austin. for a vehicle donated to Guava Jelly Cheese. Mr. Gurocharran. conducted at Main East Coast Demerara. of PADF IPED to & Coburg Streets, Mr. Edward Marasciulo. Dr. Yesu Persaud. New Amsterdam.

6 7 one modeled on the OECS National Development Foundation G$500,000 and PADF will match it with G$500,000.” Correia of PADF and Roger Griffith of FIT, had already and the more dynamic and growth-propelling one I had in mind. I replied, “Ed, it’s a deal, I will raise it within 3 confirmed their willingness to speak at the launching. Since CIDA, through FIT, had already agreed to jump start the months, that is guaranteed.” He responded, “you We agreed that I would chair the launching, outlining institution, I called Byron Blake, Development Director, Caricom, are undoubtedly a man who gets things done and the background of the project and its benefits to the and discussed the subject with him and Susan Brown, the First please be assured that there is no intention of starting private sector and Guyana. The President, Mr. H. D. Secretary of the Canadian High Commission, Georgetown, who another institution similar to the OECS National Hoyte, would give the feature address. gave me her unqualified backing. A meeting was held the following Development Foundations. These Institutions have The “Institute” was formally launched at the Pegasus morning at Miss Brown’s Office. Present were, Ms Susan Brown, shown very little growth over the years and needs Hotel on 10th January, 1986 in the presence of the Byron Blake, Lawrence Correia and myself who all said that it regular injections of new cash.” We shook hands and largest number of private and public officials and would be a waste of resources to have two development institutions I thanked him for his immediate decision and faith in civic organizations ever seen in the country. The and that the resources should be pooled to form a vibrant me. We then moved to the dining room for dinner. launching went like clockwork – all the speakers institution. I now had the backing of FIT, the CIDA-funded spoke glowingly of the need for such an institution Susan Brown and Byron Blake supported my concept of the Canadian Institution and Pan American Development and the benefits that would accrue to Guyana, helping “Institute.” Lawrence informed us that the decision would have to Foundation. The next step was President Desmond people to help themselves by becoming their own be made by his Executive Vice President, Mr. Edward Marasciulo. Hoyte. He was very warm to the concept especially bosses. The President, H. D. Hoyte, in his message, I left Susan Brown’s Office confident that I could convince Mr. now that it had Canadian and US support. Canada expressed unreservedly that he backed the Institute Marasciulo to back the “Institute.” I wrote Mr. Marasciulo inviting was a helpful country to Guyana and the USA was and applauded the private sector for coming up with him to Guyana to see for himself the need that existed for the indispensable for IMF and headed the Donor Support the concept and said that the Government would give development of entrepreneurs and the business sector after the Group for Guyana, which was instrumental for IMF all the assistance needed to help the Institute in its eclipse of Co-operative socialism. and World Bank re-entry and support for Guyana. formative stage. Mr Brassington, in his presentation, In late October, 1985, Mr. Edward Marasciulo, Executive Vice I called a meeting of the Board of Directors of the had asked for tax-free concessions, which the President President and Lawrence Correia, Project Officer and Controller “Institute.” I outlined what had been done to date promised to support. The President graciously of PADF, arrived in Guyana. They were duly met at the airport including the support of President Hoyte. I proposed pledged to make IPED exempt from corporation tax and taken to the Pegasus Hotel. That very evening, we started that we launch the “Institute” in great style, never and to exempt all donations to the Institute from income discussions on the concept of the “Institute.” Mr Marasciulo was seen before in Guyana, inviting the entire private tax. The Government duly honoured this pledge. We a lawyer and a former US Diplomat, and a great listener. He sector, diplomats, professionals and Ministers and received pledges of donations totaling $163,000 from only intervened to ask a question. At the end of the session, high officials of the Government and the Leader professionals, and the private and public sectors that he said to me, “Yesu, you have convinced me that the Institute of the Opposition to the launching ceremony. Mr morning. In addition, I had approached a number would train entrepreneurs and create dynamism for rebuilding the Michael Brassington, Managing Director of Guyana of the large companies that were associated with entrepreneurial spirit in the country. My challenge to you is on Refrigerators Ltd. (GRL), was allotted the task DDL, including Seagrams (U.K.), Booker Sugar Co. the basis of one to one. You need to raise G$1M to start so raise of being the speaker on incentives, Mr Lawrence Ltd, W. Breitenstein of Holland, West India Trading CONTINUED

Total number of nationwide entrepreneurs (2010)

Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do...... but to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength. Author Unknown

1991 1991 1992 1992 1993 1993 1994 1994 1995 1996 In October 1991, IPED A successful dairy farmer4153 There was a significant Mr. Frank Gomes received Director, Dr. Leslie Pineapple Farmer, President Cheddi Jagan, Mayor of Anna Regina, A Micro Client from Canal From 25 loans in 1986 opened a Branch at from Crane, West Coast increase in rice cultivation assistance to enhance Chin single handedly Mr. Tameshwar Hiralall declaring open IPED's Mr Sammy Rampersaud No. 1 who benefited from IPED provided a total of Anna Regina, Essequibo Demerara. loans from 172 in 1991 to his exhaust fabrication researched and from Canal No. 1 Polder, Branch at Lot 1, Port disbursing an IPED loan to a loan for cassava 10,016 loans at the end Coast. 362 in 1992. workshop. implemented the Micro West Bank Demerara. Mourant, Corentyne. a micro client. cultivation. of 1996. Credit Facility in 1993.

8 9 Canada,Texaco (W. I.) Ltd, and the Commonwealth Development Sub-Committee of the Board had to approve same day. It still remains a record to this Corporation (CDC). All these companies contributed liberally to the loans submitted by Management. This day. I was very pleased with myself when I the cause. In less than 3 months, the target of G$500,000 was has been the bedrock of the success of the left the EIB headquarters in Luxembourg that realized which was duly matched by PADF in three tranches. Institute. day. I had every reason to feel “on top of the Office accommodation for the Institute was rented from John The success of the Institute in its first 9 world”. On my return home, the Directors were Willems at 240 Camp Street, South Cummingsburg, in February months of operations had put to rest the many overwhelmed with the result and expressed but physical occupation occurred on 1st April, 1986 with a staff “Jeremiahs” who had predicted failure within a the view that this could well be an excellent of one, Jeff Adiken, who was Messenger, Clerk, Counsellor, few months after starting up in business. The relationship to build on. Accountant and Manager all rolled into one. Staff was increased Institute was to go on to be the success story Training in the office and the field is as the business progressed. of the Caribbean and is being heralded as such indispensable to the success of Micro Sector The Terms and Conditions of IPED Loan on 1st April, 1986, was by USAID. and Small Business Development. In the that the entrepreneur must have a vested interest in the business In October, 1986, U.S. PL-480 returned to beginning entrepreneurs received free training and knowledge of the business. The maximum value of the loan Guyana, IPED was the first and only private in the areas of business they are engaged was $30,000. The vested interest could be in the form of fixed sector organization to queue at the U.S. in, in addition to basic book keeping and assets, stocks etc. The rate of interest was 12% per annum. Embassy seeking to share in the US PL-480 the importance of cash flow. In the field the The “Institute” would provide accounting, technical and managerial counterpart funds. I remember vividly the loan officers provided individual counselling training together with counselling services free of cost. There day I met the US Ambassador to discuss the to clients on their monthly supervision visits. was a screening process introduced to preclude persons applying subject that IPED be allocated a part of the The Institute formally established its own for loans with no intention of repaying. A culture had developed counterpart funds to stimulate and develop Entrepreneurial Development Centre (EDC) in that loans from state corporations need not be repaid, this was all over again the small business sector. My 1999 at a building adjoining its offices in South the reason for the failure of the Guyana Credit Corporation and argument was simple, IPED’s aims and Road. The EDC now offers more formal courses the Small Industries Corporation and subsequently, Guyana objectives were to create an entrepreneurial in simple accounting, costs and expenses, Co-operative Mortgage Finance Bank and the Guyana National culture, helping people to help themselves marketing, principles of business administration, Co-operative Bank. and in the process, creating employment, entrepreneurship and computer literacy. Clients The first 5 loans of the Institute were for the production of soft wealth and increasing the GDP of the nation. can also enroll in a Certificate Course in toys and wooden carvings valued at $16,544 and by the end of At the end of the discussion, he assured me Small Business Management. The EDC has October, 4 of the 5 loans were repaid. At the end of December, that the Institute would be allotted 15% to extended its wings and also offers training to 1986, the total Loans approved and disbursed were 25 amounting 25% of the funds available and that he would corporate clients. to $734,852. The Institute had made a small profit of $5,951 in its be discussing the topic with the Minister of Starting from humble beginnings at rented first 9 months of operation. Finance and this became a reality in early office in Camp Street, the Institute today owns The Institute is a non-profit-sharing institution, all profits earned 1987. its own offices in South Road, Georgetown, are ploughed back into the Institute for further development. During the years, loan funds also came at Port Mourant, Corentyne and at Cotton Furthermore, I had indicated to Directors at our second meeting from the Inter American Development Bank Field in Essequibo, with rented offices at D’ that they had a moral and social obligation to give something (IADB) and in 1995, a loan was negotiated Edward Village, West Bank Berbice, at Parika, back to society and they agreed to give voluntary services to the with the European Investment Bank (EIB) East Bank Essequibo, at Lethem in Region Institute free of fees or expenses. In addition, they would pursue for the businesses that had graduated to 9, Linden, Region 10 and Mabaruma, Region the Institute’s interests whilst overseas. If the Directors missed medium-size businesses. The EIB Loan for 1. IPED has sub-offices at New Amsterdam, three or four meetings, they would be asked to retire gracefully the IPED medium-size loan sector was the Corriverton, Bartica, Wakenaam, Charity on and be replaced by others who could find the time to be at first time in the history of EIB that a loan was the Essequibo Coast and Vreed-en-hoop, West meetings. In addition to attending Board Meetings, the Finance negotiated, signed, sealed and delivered the Coast Demerara. IPED provides poor people CONTINUED

1997 1997 1998 1998 1999 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

IPED started to fund In 1997, 90% of the Micro In August, IPED extended President Bharrat Jagdeo, A Client is seen receiving In May 1999 IPED signed His Royal Highness, The PRCSSP Credit To further enhance its In October, the Institute commercial loans in borrowers were women. it services to Parika then Finance Minister a loan cheque from an agreement with UNDP Prince Charles Facility provides funding to services, IPED embarked on its January 1997 through its Here one such client is with the opening of an disbursing a Micro Loan to President Bharrat Jagdeo to establish a Credit speaking at the launching small rice farmers of completed construction of hinterland thrust rural outreach program. seen receiving advice office at Lot 312 Parika. Ms. Bernice Allen. at the opening of Scheme at Annai, of the Guyana Youth Regions 2 and 3. its new Head Office at establishing its fifth from an IPED Officer. IPED's D' Edward Branch. North Rupununi Business Trust at IPED on 253 South Road, Branch at Lethem, February, 24th. Bourda, Georgetown. Region 9.

10 11 with access to loans in all ten and under-employed women, In addition to creating jobs, the remained unemployed and way to the success of the Institute. Administrative Regions of Guyana youths and other segments Micro-loan scheme, like the small living in poverty. Many of these Of course, the staff also at all levels have given service of a highly from Crabwood Creek to Port of the Guyanese population and medium size loan schemes, businesses fell by the wayside but exceptional nature; this is not to say that there was not a few rogues in Kaituma to the Rupununi. who really want to improve the have transformed the lives of people many have succeeded beyond our midst over the years who have used the Institute for their personal The May/June rains of 1997 economic welfare of themselves who have moved from the bottom of expectation. Just imagine what aggrandizement but we have had a few monarchs who have contributed came with a vengeance and and their families. The aim the heap to become self-supporting the unemployment rate and social in ways beyond the call of duty, to whom we are eternally indebted. was prolonged resulting in and objective of the Micro Loan members of society. In addition problems would have been in The Institute has moved into the 21st Century with confidence to climb floods in several parts of the Window is the reduction of to providing funding to the micro Guyana without IPED. During and achieve greater heights way into the future. Undoubtedly, it is an country. This was followed by poverty and improvement of the entrepreneurs, the Institute provides 2010, IPED loan clients generated impressive success story of Guyana and the World and is being used by the El Nino drought of 1998, the living standards of the poorest the same free services as it does profits and paid out wages USAID as a real success story that is worthy of emulation by other Third worst in over a decade. The of the poor, which would directly to the Small Business Window of equivalent to about 2% GDP, a World countries. weather phenomena in those impact positively on the nation’s training in managerial, accounting not insignificant contribution to the All Guyanese should be proud of the institution as it has undoubtedly two years severely affected the development. The philosophy and technical areas together economy. In addition to helping served our people well over the last 25 years and I am certain the future productive sectors including IPED of IPED is to help people to help with counselling services to the people to improve their economic could be even brighter provided there is political stability, which results thereby, affecting the ability of themselves and to become their entrepreneurs. There is no doubt status, IPED is conscious that to in confidence in economic development and in attraction of investments, entrepreneurs to repay or draw own bosses, giving them the in my mind that these services have grow and prosper, it must make leading to the creation of jobs and the creation of wealth for all the people down new loans. We were not independence and the framework helped in no small measure in the a profit and has made a profit of Guyana. deterred and kept faith with the to think positively about what they outstanding success story of IPED. in each of the 25 years it has entrepreneurs by extending would do for themselves to grow Since its inception in 1986 and been in business. The profit in periods of repayments and and become bigger businesses to the end of 2010, IPED has 2010 was $162M as compared providing liberally for possible in the future. Many of these been blazing the trail of private to $113M, an increase of 43% bad debts. We were able to Micro Businesses have already sector development by training in the preceding year. The weather the storm and the growth graduated to the Small Business and funding the Small and Micro Governments of President H. and expansion of the portfolio status each employing several Business Sectors to fuel growth D. Hoyte, President Cheddi continued with great momentum. persons. and development of an economy Jagan, President Samuel Hinds, The USAID has provided The Micro Loan Window starts that was in tatters during the 20- President Janet Jagan and resources for institutional at $30,000 without traditional odd years of the state-controlled President Bharat Jagdeo have all strengthening in the early years collateral increasing progressively Cooperative Socialist economy. in turn recognized the tremendous which were of tremendous to $50,000, $75,000 and $100,000 IPED stands out as a brilliant contribution of IPED to national we should be significance to the growth of the dependent on the success of star not only developing people development. Institute followed by the IADB the micro-entrepreneur. The to improve their economic well- Yes, indeed, IPED is very over the last 6 years. Help scheme has been an outstanding being but also in the development dear to my heart and I am very in different forms was also success. The astonishing feature process. proud of its achievements and taught not to received from the British High of the Micro Sector loans is that During the last 25 years to 31st accomplishments in helping wait for inspiration Commission and the Canadian 54% are to women, many of them December, 2010, IPED has people to help themselves and High Commission. single mothers, who would have funded medium, small and micro in the process improving their IPED introduced the Micro been without a source of income entrepreneurs with 78,134 loans standard of living and the creation to start a thing Loan Window in 1993 to help and had it not been for the IPED valued in excess of $16 Billion at of national wealth. Over the action always generates the neediest of the needy in Micro Loan scheme these poor an average loan size of $205,000 years the Board of Directors has our Society. The Micro Loan people would have been without creating over 30,000 jobs and in the been giving voluntary services inspiration, inspiration seldoM scheme reaches out to the any source income for themselves process, employing a large segment and their service and sense of under-privileged, unemployed and their families. of the workforce who would have direction have helped in no small generates action Author Unknown

2004 2004 2005 2006 2006 2007 2007 2008 2009 2010

IPED partnered with IPED's Entrepreneurial IPED consolidated its In April, 2006 IPED CEO of IPED In June, 2007 IPED One of the many One of the many training Chairman Dr. Yesu Woman Entrepreneur of SEBRAE of Brazil to Development Centre EDC activities by celebrated its 20th Dr. Leslie Chin established a branch at businesses at sessions held by IPED's Persaud presenting an the Year, Banoomattie promote fish cage culture (EDC) providing corporate Anniversary. Chairman exchanging anniversary Mabaruma to satisfy the Port Kaituma which IPED EDC in 2008. Award for the Runner-up, Singh of East Canje, in Guyana. provides Training and training and knowledge and Founder greetings with Chairman, needs of Small and Micro has funded. Best Managed Project in Berbice Business Development and information sharing Dr. Yesu Persaud sharing Dr. Yesu Persaud at Entrepreneurs 2009 Services services. happy moments IPED's 20th AGM held in in Region 1. to Entrepreneurs. with a member of staff. July, 2006.

12 13 I wanted a dynamic institution...... that would grow and prosper

...helping people to help themselves.

Roy Bennet - Story on pg 16 Egerton Maxwell - Story on pg 16 Koosha Ramdas - story on pg 17 uccess tories just don't give up compiled with assistance from Ravena Gildharie trying to do what you s really want to do ...... where there is will and inspiration i don't think you can be unsuccessful Baby Yasmeen 14 15 There was no disappointment roy egerton and I am progressing all the time.” koosha bennet maxwell Such sincerity guides Maxwell ramdas to repay his loans before the Determination and discipline $3 million. Egerton Maxwell and his wife, scheduled time frame. “You have to are keys to success no matter the All of the credit he borrowed from Kooshaa Ramdas of 11 New Emphasizing the involvement Georgia Maxwell of 101 Third obstacles, the belief of Roy Bennet, IPED aided Bennet to acquire set the pace,” Maxwell points out. Hope, East Bank Demerara, grew of his wife in this new business, Street Meten-Meer-Zorg, West up in a logging business owned Ramdas recalls leaving her to sell a young businessman from Good not only the supermarket, his own The pace he speaks of, “you have Coast Demerara, started vending by his parents and elder brothers. the lumber while he operates the Intent, West Bank Demerara. property and truck but another to be honest and you have to make with a small stall on the Parika The family had its own forestry sawmilling venture. But with no Bennet, as a young teacher transported property and a car. the payments on time. You have to selling some 15 years ago. Their concession in the Demerara River knowledge of wood measurement some 15 years ago, realized that a Today, his inventory is between disciple yourself with that.” and managed a fairly economical and calculation, many customers stocks back then valued just about small salary could not offer him the $8.5 million to $9 million. Also he At age 54, Maxwell is living a very business. took advantage of the situation. $50,000 but with seven children, standard of living he hunted. So he provides full time employment to contented life with a successful Around the 1980s, Ramdas, a Nevertheless, Ramdas the Maxwells were in need of larger started a small vending trade selling four villagers. business. Although some of his young man, migrated. He returned encouraged his wife to remain profits. about five years later to Guyana. in the trade and says he tutored coals, firewood and kerosene with “I have definitely moved from the children are grown adults, the A while later, the Parika stelling youngest is still in school. Through By then, the family business had her for six months until she was an inventory of $20,000. He also micro level to a level above that… changed to mining and Ramdas knowledgeable and mastered the was put under repairs and the his business and its success, had a small chicken farm rearing The loans have helped us to have a got involved in the trade with his business. Wanting to invest more vendors were asked to relocate. The about 200 birds. more comfortable life, a better life,” Maxwell and his wife have been brothers. in the added operations though, Maxwells took up a spot adjacent to Shorty after, a friend told him Bennet indicates. able to do what all parents desire However, with a love and Ramdas again approached IPED. the stelling’s entrance. While there, about IPED and this brought Bennet Married with two children, Bennet “to make a comfortable life” for their knowledge of logging as well as “a He has since received four more several friends urged the Maxwells to the institution in 1999, when has undoubtedly made remarkable offsprings. sadness to see miners bulldozing credit facilities, all being invested in to expand their business. good greenheart trees to dig under the lumberyard. he acquired his first micro loan of progress and now he even says he “My life has improved generally,” Ideally located, Bartica-bound the earth for gold” Ramdas started His largest loan is valued $15 $10,000. At that time, he had no doesn’t like to think about where he Maxwell tells. When he got married passengers would walk past cutting the timber and transporting million. fixed assets to borrow main window would have been had it not been many years ago, his grandparents it out on trucks that would take in Currently, his stocks at the Maxwell’s stall on their way to loans. But with IPED’s micro credit, for IPED by his side. gave him a house, which Maxwell fuel for the gold mining operations. lumberyard are valued in excess Bennet moved his small vending to “IPED has afforded us the board the speed boat. One of relates he has upgraded with He still remained in the gold of $50 million and guarantee him an enterprising grocery store, he opportunity to do investment and those passengers happened to be profits from his business. He even mining industry but after getting handsome profits. As a result of his successful venture, the client now owns today. we are happy and glad for that,” an IPED Credit Officer, from whom purchased another transported robbed in Mahdia in 1994, a then just-married Ramdas decided has upgraded his sawmilling During the period of borrowing Bennet relates. Egerton Maxwell enquired about a property and a motor vehicle. it was time to return to logging. operations, purchased two trucks, micro loans, Bennet lived at a Growing up in a single parent loan one day. “We are not the sporting type. Although the profit margin was less a tractor and trailer and a car. His In 1992, the Maxwells took relative’s property. His profits later family of 10 members, Bennet We just do business, turnover, than mining, Ramdas decided to four children enjoy a comfortable t h e i r fi r s t l o a n f r o m I P E D o f allowed him to purchase his own was adopted at age 10. In his and settle whatever bills we have invest in the timber industry. “I told life and Ramdas believes he can property, of which he used the younger years, he attended the $60,000 to buy more goods, mostly to pay, light bill, phone bill, every my brother I going back to logging now relax. Today, while a medium-scale transport to access a main loan Nismes Primary School, the West confectioneries. “I started making month,” Maxwell explains. He also because that is what I know and operator, Ramdas is also a member to buy his truck. This vehicle, he Demerara Secondary and then the fortnightly payments,” Maxwell notes that back when he started what I believe in,” Ramdas recalls. He approached IPED in 1994 and of the Region Ten Forest Producers currently uses to transport his own Critchlow Labour College. relates, adding “and I began business “I wasn’t fully equipped Group through which he accesses secured a loan of $600,000 to help goods from Georgetown to the Immediately thereafter he expanding. I never stopped and I state lands to cut his own woods. with business but now with IPED set up a small saw milling facility always taking loans from IPED.” Mostly though, he uses the trucks Good Intent store, thereby reducing completed studies in Economics financing and so, I got more at Yarrowcabra, Linden-Soesdyke to go into the logging concessions transportation expenses. at the University of Guyana before Declaring that IPED is "more experience. I know how to sell and Highway. to buy the timber from loggers for Although he no longer rears his taking a teaching post at the Wales convenient,” the client has serviced Since he still had a few pieces how to get back.” his sawmill. 32 loans to date with the institution. of equipment and machinery from own chickens, Bennet is still in Community High for three years Noting that other lending “So I don’t have problem getting his father’s operations, Ramdas the trade but he acquires regular until he met IPED. The largest loan is valued $2 institutions require many assets as wood supplies and this is all quickly had his own sawmill venture supplies of about 1000 to 1500 However, all through those years million, which the client is currently security, Maxwell is convinced that because of IPED. IPED helped me up and running. He couldn’t afford birds from poultry growers nearby. Bennet recalls one goal: “I always servicing. His business today is “IPED makes it easier to get loans acquire my own transportation,” the any generator or new machinery client relates. He also continued to use IPED wanted to have my own business. I valued over $5 million guaranteeing to start a business and improve but the operations were effective. He currently employs over 40 loans to invest in his operations. went to university, I have a degree reasonable profits each week. your living.” He initially supplied full-fledged persons and earns reasonable So far, this distinguished client in Economics but still I want to “A business you don’t play with With this in mind, he puts on timber to lumberyard dealers profits each month. has serviced 14 loans with IPED work with myself and I thank IPED it. It’s a commitment,” Maxwell says record “I encourage anyone to go on the East Bank Demerara but Always on time with payments, afterwards decided to invest in the valued a total of $16.5 million. The for giving me the opportunity for of his venture and of IPED “they down to IPED, don’t waste time.” this client looks forward to long and largest sum he has borrowed was acquiring the loans.” never turned me down. retail sales at his home. continued relations with IPED. Photo on page 14 Photo on page 14 Photo on page 15 16 17 boodhnarine ...A joiner narine

“I was a fisherman…but doing fishing work I had a vision that I wish I could be a boss man for my own business and get plenty workers under me and it was a prayer of mine and it came to past.” These are the words of Boodhnarine Narine, a wood furniture producer of Lot 213 No. 72 Village. the taste of At age 42 and married with one son, Narine is today proprietor, manager and ’boss man’ of a thriving joinery establishment. Eleven loans since he walked into the doors of IPED’s Port success Mourant Branch in 1992, this thriving entrepreneur bestow success to hard work and IPED’s support. “IPED is the place to go. If you have a good relationship with IPED, IPED is your for... family. IPED is the Bank that keep me going all the time.” Narine grew up in a family of merely fishers at Number 78 Village. ...A clothes vendor Soon he too took up the job at sea. But wanting to own a business, Narine at age 15, realized his opportunities were few in fishing. At that time, there was a joinery shop in leslyn small over the years, both in her business and personal life. his community, and there he spent She has been hit many times by thieves, who broke 21 months “learning the work.” Never be discouraged, no matter what the challenge, in her stalls and carted off with significant quantities of Wanting to have a business, for his land yet and no major assets to possible by IPED’s loans. He also has Leslyn Small, a New Amsterdam retail vendor upholds a stocks. the young Narine returned to fishing use as security for a large sum, Narine a furniture store at Skeldon, where he personal motto “Keep Going, Keep Growing with IPED.” On another occasion, Small packed two suitcases of and worked for two more years, qualified for micro-loan using his tools sells what he produces. In total, Narine This award winning client of IPED, not only possesses clothing and footwear to retail in Linden at the 2010 Town saving money to invest in his newly as collateral. explains his stock on hand is usually acquired skill. He bought a few tools qualities of a determined entrepreneur but a courageous Day event. Sadly, due to unruly touts at the Linden bus- He started with a credit of $30,000, valued a few million dollars. park in Georgetown, she ended up entering a mini-bus and started producing simple wood woman who fights ‘tooth and nail’ to keep her business used to buy more tools for the trade. Currently, this successful without her suitcases, which she never recovered. Again pieces, mainly “cabinets” at his going and growing. That meager sum has since incited the entrepreneur plans to have a Small has been in the retail business for over 16 her losses were great. parent’s home in Number 78 Village. growth of a medium-scale, profitable showroom next-door the joinery shop years, selling clothing and footwear at Pitt Street and the And as if these troubles are not enough, Small lost But soon joined by a wife and a enterprise, which Narine now proudly on an additional plot of land, which New Amsterdam market in the day and beverages in the her husband and sister within a period of just two weeks baby on the way, Narine yearned for boasts. Narine only recently purchased. And evening at another location, Main Street. in December 2010. Currently, she is a single parent, more and assets to call his own. “As the micro grow, I use the as has become customary, he plans She first approached IPED in 2003. Back then her struggling to keep her business going and to provide for Driven by these desires, the money all the way to step up my business was very small and wanting to expand, she took her children. joiner bought his first land in 1992 business, investing more and more. I to seek IPED’s help with this project the advice of friends and sought after a loan at IPED. Her Despite the despair, Small maintains herself an at Number 78 Village. Still it wasn’t follow the loan from $30,000 upward… too. first credit totaled $60,000, which she bought a larger excellent client of IPED, servicing two loans at the same as he dreamt, as Narine recalls as soon as they give me my cheque I “I was with another Bank, but I stock of goods. time. She regularly travels to Georgetown to purchase her the small, choked, wooden shack go straight and buy more materials,” walk away and come solely to IPED… “I was selling before IPED but not as much as this…I stocks from wholesalers and return to New Amsterdam he once called home when he first Narine relates. after I get involved with IPED, it was now earn about 10,000 to 15,000 per week,” Small says. offering to customers, the latest styles and fashions. moved to his property. At his joinery shop, where he crafts IPED all the way as my backbone,” Since then, she has serviced 38 micro loans with She is always on time with payments and in 2009, So, in the same year, at then 18 fancy kitchen cupboard sets, bed enlightens Narine, as he prepares IPED, the largest being $240,000. IPED as part of its annual custom of honouring outstanding year old, Narine walked into IPED’s frames, wardrobes and more, Narine his child, an 18 year old son, to take A mother of six, this thriving entrepreneur has not had clients, awarded Small for her commitment and success office one day at Port Mourant and says he always has in stock materials charge of the business, once a dream, a life without woes. She has faced a gamut of challenges in business management. enquired about a loan. No transport worth in excess of $600,000, made now reality.

18 19 20 21 premchand “I can only say good budhu things about IPED and I

Premchand Budhu worked would tell anyone about as a ‘Tapir’ operator on what IPED has done for the Corentyne roadway for several years to earn a living me.” for him and family. But the constant harassment of the traffic law enforcers coupled estelle with a major surgery that griffith impacted his health about 15 years ago eventually made the job too stressful and he After meeting requirements for a small enterprise credit, retired. Estelle received her first loan of $30,000. She used this to start a stock of 200 chickens in one small pen. By 2011, Estelle boasts “I have two pens…..and now ...two poultry farmers I am building a two storey one to house the chicken in different compartments.” Since 1996, she has borrowed from IPED, a total of In the village of Hampton Court, Estelle Griffith is another of 21 loans, the highest being $500,000. These loans, she IPED’s most trustworthy and successful clients; currently one explains, fund the purchase of the chicks and feed for the Married with three kids, Budhu credit from IPED. With this, he school clothes and books and so, of the largest poultry producers of her kind on the Essequibo birds enabling her to sustain the venture. couldn’t just sit idly at his Number purchased 250 chicks, feedstock and and they understand,” Budhu recalls, Coast. Initially, Estelle and her husband, Carl Griffith, managed the poultry business but sadly Mr Griffith died by accident in 78 Village home; he had to ensure medications for the birds. It was also portraying an image of a friendly In her early 50s, widowed, Estelle is not reliant on any pension schemes or family-aid to keep her going. 2008, leaving Estelle alone at the reigns of the business. a steady income. He considered a small chicken pen he had back in institution. She easily manages a profitable poultry venture that Although sad, Estelle is not ready to give up since she poultry rearing a viable option but those early years. Today, his business has expanded supplies large quantities of meats to scores of popular also knows that IPED stands ready at her side. with no money to invest, he was However, over the period since to a very large pen, where Budhu restaurants, bars, other businesses and individuals across What would you tell someone about IPED, we ask, and cornered. then, Budhu received 30 loans from grows no less than 1400 chickens, the county, where this thriving entrepreneur has mastered she responds “I can only say good things about IPED and her trade with full support of IPED. I would tell anyone about what IPED has done for me.” Then while relating his troubles, a the Institution, all of which went to and an establishment worth no less The success of her business also spills into benefits for Currently, Estelle is servicing a loan of $500,000 and friend in the neighbourhood told him grow his business. The highest loan than $2 million. other individuals such as a few local women in her village improving her pens, making the structures more permanent about IPED, ‘a Bank to get a small he has serviced is valued $600,000. He still takes loans from IPED who usually helps to prepare the meat birds for sale. and convenient for a well assured trade as she continues business started.’ At that time, the Most of the money he borrows from although he points out that he usually With a usual stock of 3000 birds per crop, Estelle has a doing business with IPED and carries on, thriving and friend was a client with IPED for just IPED helps to buy feedstock, a very has to invest money from “his own prosperous business that earns her and family “a very growing. comfortable living.” a few months, with investments too in costly input in the poultry business. pockets” to help cover some costs of Her profits over the years enabled her to acquire two poultry rearing. As he continued his poultry the business venture. trucks, a house with all modern conveniences and additional Heeding the encouragement, investments, the challenges “Truly IPED has made a difference comforts for herself, children and grand children. Budhu took his chances at IPED’s were always present: high cost of in my life” Budhu says, noting that he She even boasts a brand new car she acquired in December sub-office at Corriverton. “I went and production due to expensive feed, has never been with any other Bank 2010 to help transport the meat to the buyers. A mother of five, Estelle recalled her early years in the explained to Mr Pancham (IPED low prices for his products, little and according to him, there is no business. Back in 1996, she dreamt of having her own Officer) that I want to start a loan and profits and economic demands of the reason to do that. business and income to help support her husband and he tell me the necessary documents. family especially his kids in school. “I got a daughter going to UG so children. So I went and get that and I think it But Budhu was not daunted and as I am able to assist in that position. Poultry seems a viable option, but Estelle, like many others, take within a week after that and I he says, IPED has always been there I got one in high school and one in had no finances to get into gear. Then a friend told her about IPED, “the bank where you start.” for him. “When I having it rough, I primary, so I am living a comfortable could go and get a loan to start your business.” Meeting requirements for a micro would go and explain to IPED about life,” he beams. Without much thought, Estelle proceeded to the Cotton loan, Budhu secured a $50,000 my payments because my kids need Field IPED Branch and sought information on how to get a loan.

22 23 lalta ... a wild meat trader sahadeo

The story of Lalta Sahadeo is nestled on a very unique business, unlike the usual others that IPED has helped nurtured during the 25 years of its existence. His story is an ideal example of a small new, idea sprouting into a window of opportunity for business excellence with strong commitment and unwavering support from a financial institution as An established jeweller today, Salim produces fine hand crafted gold bands, IPED. bracelets, rings and chains, which he Today, Sahadeo is From a sugar harvester to a fish vendor, sells daily at the Parika market. this Princetown, Corentyne resident is a established as the largest ‘wild When Salim started selling at the wild meat trader, and a very prosperous meat man’ in Berbice, reaping location shortly after his first IPED one too. a weekly turnover of $600,000 loan, his stall, operated along with his He started selling fish in the 1990s at to $800,000 on his trade. He brother, was very small with stocks ... a jeweller valued just about $500,000. the Corriverton market but due to stiff supplies wild meats to almost But with more loans from IPED all restaurants and bars located competition, Sahadeo soon found the ahmad over time, the jeweller grew that little trade unprofitable. He quickly conceived on the Corentyne Coast as venture to an enterprise worth over a a new business concept, a trade in wild well as other businesses and salim few million dollars today. “IPED I find meats; something no else in his village individuals. is very good for helping small business A young man, Ahmad Salim once worked was doing at that time. He has since serviced over develop and I really develop from along with his father, producing handcrafted them. That is why I continue taking By then, he was already a client of five loans; the highest valued gold jewelry at the family’s Roden Rust, East loans from them to make my business $800,000. “Me time what IPED and had no problem gaining the Bank Essequibo, home. bigger.” Institution’s support to “try his hand at the they give me, 16 months, 20 Sometime around 1992, after he got married The jeweller also informs “I tell a lot new trade.” months, me take less than a and started having children, he ventured out of people about IPED. I tell them how into his own operations, valued just about His first loan of $100,000, Sahadeo year to pay back. It’s a quick I started business and that if it wasn’t $30,000. However, the young jeweller wanted took from IPED in 1996 to buy and sell turn over business, more we for IPED, I would not have gotten here to expand and own a larger enterprise to today.” fish at the Corriverton market. Instead of get, the more better for me,” provide better for his family. A successful entrepreneur, this IPED Sahadeo beams. fish alone, he started buying wild meats “Most of the other Banks then had wanted client boasts being able to send all of too from hunters in nearby riverain areas He further adds “a piece transport to get a loan but then somebody told his three children to school. “My wife such as Orealla and Siparuta as well as of time me used to work with me that IPED lend small loans without these don’t have to work,” he notes too. things. So I end up going to them and I get neighbouring Suriname. The business people but since me start In addition to acquiring his own through,” Salim relates. ‘skyrocketed’ from there, allowing with IPED, me stop work with home and transported property as a In 1994, he borrowed his first loan of result of the thriving business, Salim Sahadeo to earn handsome profits. people, me doing me own $200,000 from IPED. purchased a car and expanded his business now.” He has since upgraded his house, The client has since moved his borrowings jewellry sales to other locations. bought a huge freezer for storage of his upward from $200,000 to loans currently “The main reason behind my meats, two motor cycles for transporting valued $2 million. He has serviced eight loans business success is IPED helping to date. the commodity and currently enjoys an me to get a loan without any heavy He uses the money to buy raw gold from the ‘easy life.’ security and enabling me to develop Guyana Gold Board and small miners from myself,” the client declares. He even bought a stereo set that earns Bartica and Essequibo to produce the jewelry Although robbed by bandits twice him additional income, providing musical and according to the client, “without IPED I while transporting jewellry to Parika entertainment at various events on the won’t be so big today because at that time all market, Salim states “I end up keep Corentyne. of the other Banks were asking for transport on borrowing and developing the and I didn’t have none. It take me a long time business with IPED. Up to today I am before I get a transport.” with them and through them I end up working with myself.” 24 25 The Entrepreneurial Development Centre was established in 1999 to equip clients with the relevant business skills to complement the access of loans through relevant, adequate and timely training to facilitate Entrepreneurial Development.

5 programme areas: Business Skills Training edc Market Facilitation Entrepreneurial Computer Studies Development Centre Knowledge & Information Sharing Services (KISS) Corporate Training

Academic Programme Our interventions are mainly targeted to adults hence our These programmes are targeted to your employees. We participatory methodology to facilitate adult learning. We would appreciate if employees can be sponsored at any level deliver the programme using these various activities: to attend these programmes. The modules are usually offered Lectures in the evening between 5pm and 8pm. Where sponsorship is Workshops not possible we would appreciate if you would advertise these Seminars programmes in your company. Technical Assistance Projects Certificate in Small Business Management Hand holding Supervisory Management and she secured more credit to acquire the second Project Preparation and Evaluation jennifer stall to sell groceries. Her second loan was $360,000 Currently, we are offering two types of modules for Business and Management Development (1 year) lynette sam and this added venture also proved successful and Corporate Training from which you may benefit: so Sam relied on IPED again to invest in another Office Productivity More than 15 years ago, Jennifer Lynette Sam of Lethem, business, this time to sell hardware items and larger One and two Day Workshops There are four modules Region Nine, started baking and selling bread and other household appliances. Her third loan was valued In-House Training Microsoft Office for Beginners snacks in the community. While she prepared the snacks at $600,000. Microsoft Office for Admin Assistants, Secretaries and home, her husband and three children would sell it on bicycles Now manager of an estimated $5 million growing One Day Workshops Stenographers daily moving house-to-house. business enterprise, Sam no longer has to bake and These workshops are held at our Centre and participants Microsoft Office for Finance Staff Later, Sam got an idea to set up a stall in the Lethem market. send her family members to sell on bicycles. are drawn from various Companies. The modules include Tips and Tricks for Office Users She acquired the stall and with a few cooking utensils, made Owing to her hard work and dedication with guaranteed but are not limited to: the move and invested $20,000 to start the food processing financial support from IPED, Sam speaks proudly Customer Service In addition to our timely Business Development Services, in and vending business. “I had a lot of things, cooking utensils of her businesses, “Jenny’s Snackette,” “Hardware Team Building 2007 the EDC became an approved Teaching and Examination like pressure pots and so that friends would usually give me Depot” and “Household Needs.” Records and Information Management Centre for the Institute of Commercial Management (UK). as gifts. So I used these to start at the stall,” Sam recalls. Her Currently servicing a loan of $600,000 with IPED and Leadership and Management To date we have provided tuition services for in excess of production was however small and so were sales and profits. enjoys savings of no less than $160,000 on each Inventory Management 1500 students for a number of diploma programmes. These She continued baking at home and selling her food at the stock at each of her stalls. Principles of Business Administration academic Diploma & Advanced Diploma courses include the stall. “I believe IPED is there for all small businesses. It Motivation in the Workplace following: As IPED stretched its reach across the country, Sam was really gives you a push in life. It has done this for me Creating a Competitive Advantage the first applicant for a loan when the institution opened its and it can do so for anyone else,” Sam declares. Human Resources Development Ethics, Social Responsibility and the Company Lethem office in 2003. She notes too that at times when her business is slow, Business Studies Delegating in the Work Place We take time Meeting necessary requirements she acquired her first loan of the IPED officers are always “understanding” and Marketing out to say Finance for Non-Finance Managers $150,000 from IPED to purchase more cookery apparatus. work with Sam to reschedule her payments. Office Management That little loan has since molded her to owner of a larger As a result of her thriving enterprises, Sam has built Project Management In-House Training to snackette in Lethem market and two additional stalls, selling her own house, acquired another land and purchased Commercial Management thanks those companies hardware items and groceries. her own vehicle for private transportation. She still International Trade Similar modules to the one day workshops can be held at who have When she borrowed the first loan, business was a bit slow and does catering services for various community events your facility at a date and time mutually agreed upon. Corporate Governance sponsored their the client relates some setbacks with payments. However, in Lethem. employees in an she discussed her circumstances with the Loan Officers at “I am now big in business because of IPED,” the client IPED and eventually paid off the loan. states, even as she plans to seek the institution’s help effort to build their By then, Sam explains, her food business started to expand to establish another stall to sell electrical appliances. Should you be desirable to sponsor your employees, we can be contacted on telephone Human numbers 225-8949, 226-3842 ext. 125,225 or 128 or email us at [email protected] 26 Resource 27 climbing to new heights Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by the tired and discouraged who kept on working Author Unknown ... a farmer and his wife

ROOPCHAN & KAMLA A GROCER SAAKAR side vendor with stocks averaging no more than $20,000 to a medium scale enterprise Among the first set of Essequibo clients who took could ah buy a house lot for $7,000.” valued over a few million dollars. loans from IPED when the Institution opened its Back then, the couple planted 10 acres of rice Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars has Cotton Field Branch in the 1980s, Roopchan Saakar fields but the venture was hardly economical due to been the largest loan Paton serviced. All of and his wife, Kamla Saakar, recall a journey with the high cost of inputs for the crop. her loans have gone into acquiring stocks IPED that brought them from “nothing” to being one So from the sale of their first two pigs, the couple for her business. She services an average of of the most successful families in the Pomeroon/ bought more small ruminants and used the profits three loans per year. Supenaam region. gained from the animals to buy fertilizers for their Over the years, she managed to purchase Residents of Lot 16 Zorg Public Road, Essequibo paddy cultivation. her own house lot in the Sand Pitt Road, Coast, the Saakars have to date accessed from Life had just started seeming brighter for the where she built a house and established a IPED, a total of 46 loans, which have grown their rice Saakars but then came more challenges. larger business operation. In addition, she farming activity from 10 acres to currently 50 acres. “After then we start find it hard after we get has all basic conveniences at home and in In addition, the clients have massive investments in children and we say let we go to the Bank. Then we her business. sheep and pig rearing. didn’t had no transport or so and he father give we “Without IPED I might ah still de living in The biggest amount the family has borrowed from a piece ah rice land so we take that and went to the my small house out by the roadside and IPED is $600,000. On the personal side, the family Bank,” the mother of four relates. selling at the Lake…Now I don’t have to go has two transported properties, tractors, a canter That Bank was IPED and the first loan was anywhere anymore and sell. So IPED has and motorbike, all acquired through their farming $15,000, which the Saakars used to invest in rice. BEVERLY really helped me reached where I am today,” enterprise, which is still being funded to this day with From there on life took a productive twist for the Paton declares. IPED loans. family. PATON She has since also purchased a truck, “Without IPED we won’t ah be no way today. They have expanded their rice business, acquired which one of her sons now operate, fetching And that’s why I still de with the Bank today. I will much needed machinery and equipment and uses In the Essequibo Village called Onderneeming Sand Pitt Road, Beverly supplies of fuel into the interior regularly. remain there all the way. When the Bank close then IPED loans as working capital to continue each crop. Paton owns the largest shop in her community, selling anything and At home easily managing her business, me gone close,” Roopchan declares. However, They have also acquired a great deal of small everything from groceries to fuel. Paton says she enjoys a comfortable life that while the family currently enjoys all basic luxuries ruminants. She has been with IPED since 1998 when she took an initial loan of IPED has provided. A client of IPED’s Lifetime complemented by a thriving business, life wasn’t Further, the couple is now heading into cash $30, 000 to invest in a small snack vending trade at the popular Essequibo Loan Scheme, Paton accesses additional always this easy and happy for the Saakars. crop cultivation on another property they have since Itiribisi Lake. At that time, she lived in a small home on her mother’s property credit to help another son pursue a Degree in Back in their younger years, when the couple had purchased. from where she also operated the small vending trade. At times, she would Civil Engineering at the University of Guyana, just gotten married, they shared a small house on “Life now is more than good. I have everything,” take her stocks into the Amerindian Mission across the Lake to accelerate all of which she is very grateful to IPED. an inland area, which they have since converted the husband says happily, knowing that his days of the sales. She always takes the opportunity to to merely rearing pigs, sheep, goat and poultry. struggles are over. “Me never know we would have Back in those years, Paton recalls a hard life with four children to maintain. encourage new clients to IPED, knowing that “Nothing me nah had then” Roopchan says, recalling all ah this, big rice land, tractor, canter, big house While her husband struggled with employment, she tried earnestly to make anyone can grow and become a successful that part of his life. His wife quickly adds her bit, “we and everything,” Roopchan admits. a living through vending. entrepreneur with IPED. had a lil mud house and I used to mek coconut oil While thanking IPED for his successes, he adds But after her first loan with IPED, she not only grew her stocks but entire Still attached to the Lake, Paton currently and sell and then we start rear two pigs. We work humbly, “But you also have to be true; true to operations. oversees and serves as a caretaker for the and buy the two pigs and when we sell them we yourself and to the Bank.” Thirty-five loans to date with IPED, Paton rose from being a small road- facilities. 28 29 Enhancing the lives of children with disabilities!

131-132 Carmichael Street, Georgetown, Guyana. Phone: 592-226-1441 Fax: 592-226-1558 E-mail: [email protected]

MISSION: Providing specialized PTOLEMY REID rehabilitative care for persons in Guyana utilizing the wide range REHABILITATION of quality services provided by the Centre and to further the interest of CENTRE persons living with disability.

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND The Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre was originally The government provides an annual subvention and professional established in January, 1967 by the Ministry of Health to provide staff. The board raises funds both locally and externally to rehabilitative services for children who had suffered residual finance its capital expenditure. paralysis following the 1960 and 1964 poliomyelitis epidemics. With the expansion of the Orthotic & Prosthetic Workshop from With control of this disease and the subsequent reduction of a small unit catering for the needs of only the children of the these types of cases, the Centre developed into an organization Centre, the facility now has potential to manufacture almost providing comprehensive programmes in rehabilitation for any appliances that may be required by persons with physical children with various types of physical and other developmental disabilities. disabilities. The Centre is capable of providing services for up to thirty In 1991 in an effort to improve resource acquisition so as (30) residents while out-patient clinics register as many as (95) to expand and provide quality service more effectively and new patients annually. The centre has a policy of employing efficiently, the Centre was de-linked from the Ministry of Health persons with disabilities and presently persons are employed in and is now managed by a voluntary management committee. areas such as nursing, orthotic and prosthetic shop, and in the clerical section.

MAIN OBJECTIVES 1. To provide on a daily basis a range of rehabilitative services, including Main Services Provided are: physiotherapy, special education, speech therapy and occupational therapy, to meet the needs of the clients. 1. Physiotherapy 2. To provide a range of other social services including schooling, dormitory, 2. Occupational Therapy day care, dining and recreational facilities for those children resident at the 3. Speech Therapy Centre. 4. Social Work 3. To provide counselling and educational services for parents of children in 5. Special Education rehabilitation programmes, urging them to be more involved in the 6. Vocational Training programmes. 7. Dormitory/Day Care Services 4. To make provision for othotic and prosthetic appliances for the physically 8. Orthotic and Prosthetic Appliance disabled in Guyana. Workshop 5. To strengthen the financial well being of the Centre by attracting resources 9. Audiology. externally. 31 31 ... a FRESH PRODUCE VENDOR ... a RICE FARMER ... a POULTRY FARMER property-owner who rents shizad office space to IPED’s ijaz claudette D’Edward Branch. And micro finance ali with such as guarantor, Ali mohamed johnson received his first loan of “Before I start this business, I make a dedication, with a At the jubilant age of 50, Ijaz Mohamed, a rice farmer of 147 Growing just about 25 chickens for over 15 $75, 000 in 1998. that only death must make me allow farmers Section D Bush Lot Village, says he enjoys nothing short of a years to complement her full time income as a He used the money perishables to spoil,” a personal pledge Rosignol difference ‘fulfilling life.’ security at the Blairmont sugar estate, Claudette to help purchase his businessman Shizad Ali made 15 years ago when he began buying agricultural produces from Black

Bush Polder and transporting the goods for sale in own minibus to ply the trade. He Married with five children, to 30 until he became a client of Georgetown. even recalls the license number, Johnson of Ithaca, says she took a “great fall” Mohamed spends most of IPED in 1995. Although the trade has since even brought him GCC 7519, the first real asset he in 1999 when a contractor she procured to his days watching 235 acres His first loan of $600,000 went in the face of death, Ali maintains his promise to acquired. At that time, Ali bought of rice bloom into millions of mainly to purchase costly fertilizers renovate her house absconded with money she this date. $60,000 worth of goods with a profit income for him and family. and fuel. Since then, he serviced 22 acquired as a loan. While going to buy goods in Black Bush in 2007, of $17,000. His prosperity in business loans totaling credit of $22 million, “I took a great fall after the man took my three armed bandits attacked him and shot the From then, Ali serviced 14 loans enabled him to see his all of which have been used to money and went away because the work wasn’t businessman five times. The bullets entered his totaling $4.8 million. He currently eldest daughter through the invest heavily into his rice farming done and I still had to repay the loan,” Johnson upper arm and existed through his neck, causing borrows from IPED in excess of There are University of Guyana and business. recounts of that situation. severe damages that took his voice. $1.5 million. With these loans, Ali acquisition of two transported “I invest a lot in farming and as I A measly salary, a loan to repay and two “I de even doing my business from my hospital purchased two canters, one which no failures properties, one on which he get bigger, I buy more machinery children in school at that time, the challenge was bed,” Ali boasts, recalling his time in hospital after he later sold; a truck and two cars. is currently constructing a and keep on growing,” Mohamed so great that Johnson says she even thought the attack. He also makes it clear “not me life just house for his son. relates. about “running and jump into the river.” Living today with two pellets lodged in his neck, alone improve. All my children them In addition, he owns two Today, he is one of the largest rice A neighbor noticed Johnson stopped growing Ali is still not defeated. because I give meh son-in-law the experiences combines, four trucks and farmers in his community, owning poultry and enquired of the reason. “No money Such courage, abundance of faith and constant truck; the bus I give me son and one four tractors, all of which 120 acres of lands and renting more to invest” she responded and that’s when the backing from IPED transformed Ali’s humble of my grandson, I give one ah the and makes his life ‘easier.’ from smaller farmers who are unable neighbor introduced Johnson to IPED. your Clearly, Mohamed is living $60,000 venture to one that is now worth millions, car.” to plant their fields. Qualifying for a micro loan, Johnson acquired making him one of IPED’s most successful clients He also sponsors various reaction his dream. But where did he Boasting a reasonable profit on an $30,000 from IPED in the year 2000. She in the West Coast Berbice region. humanitarian activities in his start and what were those investment of $7-8 million on each bought chickens and feedstock and re-entered Importantly too, while the business brought him community. to them early years like? crop, Mohamed is always reminded the poultry business. a great deal of personal progress, the benefits “I think honesty can do a business. At a young age, Mohamed that “IPED keeps you growing in Over the years, she serviced 32 loans with started going into the extend beyond his four children and three You will see increase once you business.” IPED, the largest being $120,000. ‘backdam’ with his father. He is now owner of assets valued grandchildren to more than 100 regular farmers spend the income right because you Excellent performance as a micro borrower, By age 17 he had dropped in excess of millions and remains who depend on Ali to take off their produce twice can’t take bank money to buy banks she qualified under IPED’s Collateral out of high school and joined “grateful to IPED” for all he has weekly. beer and chicken,” he cautions. Improvement Scheme and is exempted from his father full-time in the rice today. Prior to 1998, Ali rented a small vehicle to buy To the many small farmer who fields. Awarded IPED’s Best Agricultural the normal interest rates. For example on a farmers’ goods in Black Bush Polder and other often come to Ali seeking to borrow About six years later, Project in 2009, this client is servicing loan of $120,000, Johnson’s interest is $2000. nearby communities and transport it to the City. money, he says “I does tell them Mohamed began cultivating a current loan of $6 million. Since meeting IPED, Johnson acquired a Then a friend from whom he often borrowed before them borrow from me, them rice on his own on 10 acres “As soon as me get me money total of $3 million in credit to date. money for his trade introduced him to IPED. should go to IPED. They can help of rented lands. from the mill I does pay off me With profits from the poultry business, she That friend happened to be the son of the you like how they help me.” A hard worker, he managed loan,” Mohamed says of his fruitful repaid the loan she took in 1999 to renovate to move this acreage upward relationship with IPED. cont'd on page 50 32 33 make educated and healthy choices.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is real, can be devastating and is avoidable. After thirty years of combined efforts and accomplishments globally and nationally, there are still areas that need continued focus and strengthening. As Guyana works towards the HIV vision 2020 of eliminating HIV, prevention efforts continue in homes, schools, workplaces and communities through the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). In our families, communities and workplaces, the fact-based knowledge needs to be disseminated so that everyone is in the ’know’, and therefore has the responsibility to make informed decisions, that result in safer practices and less risky behaviors. Only through education and behavior change can we truly harness the epidemic. The commonly used phrase, ‘Knowledge is Power’ immediately comes to mind. In the business community, the USAID/PEPFAR-supported Guyana Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GBCHA) is tasked with addressing stigma and discrimination through Workplace Policy and Educational Programmes, Support for Voluntary Counseling and Testing of Employees, Community Investment through Private Sector Partnerships and Advocacy by committed business leaders in keeping with their motto: Leadership in Action. In a world where over 25 million people have died from AIDS, over a 25(plus) year period (Source: Global Health.org , Article: The Impact of HIV/AIDS), it is heartening to know that many countries, such as Guyana, now have treatment options that can both improve and extend life. s Guyana focuses on combination prevention, treatment, Acare, and support there is growing recognition that the virus does not discriminate by age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. While all groups are vulnerable, certain groups are at particular risk of HIV, including men who have sex with men (MSM), injecting drug users (IDUs), and commercial sex workers (CSWs) and their clients. A sharper focus needs to be made to strengthen the prevention efforts among these groups, as they can potentially serve as bridge groups to spread the infection to the broader population. Continued focus needs to be made with youths as well, to help them make educated and healthy choices.

To prevent infections, we need to enlist help from organizations The GBCHA now has one of the most visited VCT sites in the country, such as NAPS, the GBCHA, the Guyana Red Cross, Youth so please stop by the Secretariat (or another VCT site) to get tested Challenge Guyana and other NGOs and arm ourselves with and act responsibly at all times. Helpful agencies and programs are information that will help to protect and save our lives and those located at various locations throughout Guyana, so it is our charge of loved ones. It is our personal responsibility to know our status. to build on our collective strengths and resources and continue to Not only can it help protect our spouses, partners, and children, move employees and the community towards healthy behaviours that but knowing one’s status and receiving the appropriate treatment if ultimately affect us all. positive, can improve and extend your life! 35 37 ... a CASH CROP & RICE FARMER

A rice farmer of Lot 305 Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast, Raymond Brummel grows 130 acres of paddy, earning significant profits that afford him, wife and two grown children, a “very modern and happy life.” The largest rice farmer in his village, Brummel today owns a house on transported property, two tractors and a vehicle and is very much “well-off.” His neighbours dub him the “most successful rice farmer in Dartmouth.” Why? Back some 15 years ago, Brummel, a young man then, grew rice on 50 acres of land he mostly rented from larger farmers. Most of the residents in Brummel’s community are employed with other rice farmers on the Essequibo Coast. Very few plant their own rice and those that do are very small in scale. For Brummel, life in the rice sector was of many challenges with constant flooding, expensive inputs, huge expenses and yet small profits. Several of his friends encouraged him to try IPED, which at that time, had been on the Essequibo Coast for a few years and by then, a well-known friend to scores of farmers especially those into rice cultivation. In 1996, Brummel took the encouragement harrinaam “IPED changed my life, it allowed and sought after an IPED loan. He acquired his first loan of $400,000, which he used to buy harrichan me to...” fertilizers and seed paddy to get his crop going. That initial credit led to a long-lasting This client started less than 10, 000 pounds of plantains, commercial Banks for funding but relationship with IPED up to this date. The client cultivating 1.5 acres of 15,000 pounds of watermelons and 15,000 was always turned down. has since borrowed 22 loans, the largest being cash crops on the once pounds of pumpkins per crop. Then he met IPED. “It’s a very $1 million. He still uses the loans each crop forested Tiger Island He has since acquired several friendly Bank to farmers. A lil to secure fertilizers and seed paddy, thereby located just off the shores transported properties, an excavator security and you can get a loan allowing him to use his profits and savings from of the Essequibo Coast. to emploder his farmlands, a tractor to quick to start up yuh business,” the venture to expand his rice activities and at With a loan of $60,000 prepare the lands for cultivation and a the farmer relates. raymond the same time, improve his livelihood. from IPED in 2000, this vehicle of his own. He has since used IPED to brummel “Since I start with IPED, I improve a lot. No farmer toil the land and Providing employment for over 10 invest in his farming venture, doubt about that,” Brummel beams. has reaped significant persons, this client enjoys an easy and covering cost of production Enjoying an “easier” life now, the client says progress with IPED at the happy lifestyle. “Life really good with such as labour, fuel and inputs. without IPED he would have been at “square helm of his trade. IPED” he says, adding that “IPED make IPED’s loan has also helped one.” A resident of Lot 130 me business successful. Without IPED, I him to improve the drainage He even recalls one time when his fields were Section D Pomona, couldn’t ah been anywhere today.” and irrigation on his farm, which ravaged by floods causing major losses on Essequibo Coast, Additionally, Harrichan has invested ensures that his crop is not Brummel but IPED worked with the client and Harrinaam Harrichan significantly in livestock rearing as he affected by flooding. granted him extended time to repay the credit. “I has since borrowed 20 currently owns 97 goats, which ensure He is now one of the largest lose 30 acres then and I couldn’t even go back loans from the institution more income for the family. cash crop farmers in his village to plant but the extension of the loan allow me and has grown to a Married with one child, Harrichan is not earning a reasonable sum from to plant back and stay in business,” Brummel cultivation of 250 acres. ashamed to say “from 1.5 acres I end up his business per month and relates. His crops are mainly with 250 acres. Now I buy me own tractor values his venture in excess “I lost 30 acres then and “IPED change my life because it allow me to plantains, watermelons plus a car lately.” of $30 million with land, basic I couldn't even go back make more investments,” the client explains. and pumpkins which he He recalls years of hardship before while equipment and crops. He has never applied to any other lending sells at the Parika market trying to invest in a venture. Rearing cattle Currently servicing a loan of to plant but the extension institution and says he plans to say with IPED to fortnightly. for many years since he was a young $100,000, Harrichan notes “we de get his business growing. A productive farmer, man, Harrichan wasn’t satisfied with his really poor but now we de pon top of the loan allowed me to Harrichan reaps no living conditions. He applied to several through IPED.” 38 plant back” 39 Raising awareness on gender base violence especially violence against women (VAW)

Violence against women (VAW) on common issues in relationships • A couple should decide hinders the realization of a wide for partners with the hope of together if they want to have range of development goals, from fostering positive communication children. the elimination of poverty to the in a non violent way and ultimately fulfillment of human rights. Ending Gender justice for all. Here are • In my opinion, a woman can VAW requires the collaboration of some “Inequitable” Gender Norm suggest using condoms just all stakeholders including citizens questions for discussion, do you like a man can. and community members not believe or not: excluding corporate entities. There • If a man gets a woman is a growing awareness that men, pregnant, the child is the in partnership with women, can With-holding money from your responsibility of both. play a significant role in ending spouse is not a form of violence. VAW. This has led to an increase • It is important that a father in programmes and activities It is okay for a man to determine is present in the lives of his that focus on men’s roles in the (have power over) where his spouse children, even if he is no prevention of violence. is allowed to go. longer in a relationship with the mother. Men must be key players in the A woman deserves to be beaten if evolution of the global gender she does something very wrong. • A man and a woman should equality movement. As key OR decide together what type of decision-makers at the global, Sometimes women “ask for” the contraceptive to use. regional, national, community, beating they get (receive). family, and individual levels, they OR • It is important for a man hold the key to ensuring gender Some women provoke abuse by the to have a colleague, mentor equality and the elimination of all things they do. with whom you can discuss forms of discrimination, including your problems VAW. Only poor uneducated women are victims of domestic violence. Male support for gender equality has increasingly been recognized as It is genetically determined that a critical area, especially since the some men will beat their partners. 1994 Population and Development Conference in Cairo, Egypt. Forced sex in a marriage is not Involving males in their roles as rape. siblings, partners, fathers, leaders, and decision-makers at different levels in the movement towards If you answer yes or believe the gender equality is an important statements are correct above, then critical strategy. you may have serious issues with your partner should the person In recognition of this fact, at IPED disagree with them? Please rethink we are prepared to play our role in your views and practice more raising awareness on the negative “Equitable” Gender Norms for impact VAW can have on the justice. family, their health and ability to earn a livelihood. Henceforth we are offering an open discussion 40 41 ... a grocer, furniture maker, open air boutique & a factory owner AUBREY BILLY mohan jangbir

fter working with enquired about a loan to lthough this client crew escaped with the Omai Gold Mines set up a shop at his home. started out with some boat and left him in arrear A Limited for a number Using his household items A‘bad payments’ for at IPED, Jangbir turned of years since his youth, as security for the credit, his first loan with IPED in to selling watermelons at Aubrey Billy of 1344 Central Billy acquired his first loan 1986, Mohan Jangbir of Mon Repos market. This Amelia’s Ward, Linden, of $300,000 in the early 243 Good Hope, East Coast venture proved rather started selling cigarettes 1990s. “It was easy getting Demerara, returned years successful and he was able on the roadside to earn an the loan. There was no later, determined to settle to purchase three trucks income for him and family. complications,” the client his scores and secure the over a period of time. “After my contract ended, states. Institution’s aid when he was With the vehicles, a few big I didn’t have work and He was familiar too with really “down and out.” companies such as Bank so I started selling the the IPED Loan Officer A productive furniture maker DIH and Courts Guyana cigarettes,” Billy relates. who served at the Linden today, Jangbir recalls “I Limited contracted Jangbir A meager vending trade, Branch Office at the time had $100 in my name,” to transport products from Billy barely earned a small and who advised Billy speaking of the day, more Georgetown to outlying income to maintain his on the requirements and than five years ago, when locations in Berbice and livelihood. procedures to acquire a he borrowed $1,000 from a Linden. He was doing well A father of three and led loan with the institution. friend in his neighborhood to in business. However, as by the need for greater Although that “friendly” buy fuel for his trip to IPED’s fast as the money came, earnings to meet the officer later departed Head Office in Georgetown. Jangbir recalls having demands of his family, IPED, Billy stayed with the His first loan with IPED to spend all on medical Billy became interested in institution and continued more than a decade before expenses for his ailing wife, a television advertisement taking loans to invest. had been for a fishing who later succumbed to her promoting IPED, and so he With the initial loan, Billy business. But after the sickness. It was due to the... joylyn moore rodwick cameron

ith 23 loans from clothing, footwear, bags, mechanical engineer his parents’ property IPED over a period accessories and a host of by profession, Rodwick as security for the Wof 11 years, Joylyn other items. She usually A Cameron of South loan. That initial credit Moore of 44 ‘B’ Buxton, East travels to neighbouring Ruimveldt, Georgetown, lived started establishment Coast Demerara, worked Suriname and Curacao and worked in the United of Cameron’s ‘Kaieteur her way up from selling to buy her items. She States of America for a Spring Waters.’ The loan “a pallet of goods” on the reports a turnover of no number of years. He returned enabled him to build the City’s pavement to owner less than $4 million on her to Guyana in 2004 with the water bottling factory at a of a progressive $20 million investments. Managing a intention of opening his own location he rented at 2061 vending trade. profitable enterprise, she business. Methoholizer Festival City. “IPED really make a big has since acquired two He conceived an idea to There, he started with a difference in my business transported properties in bottle water, something that small purification system and home with everything…I addition to her home in seemed lucrative at that time. and just three bottles. believe they are people Buxton and a bus too which He approached several of But with three more loans looking out for others and she uses daily to transport the local commercial Banks from IPED, Cameron grew helping small businesses,” her stocks. An entrepreneur to help start up the business the venture to one that is Moore points out. with a keen eye for new but according to Cameron now valued in excess of From a first loan of $250, business prospects, Moore “they all said bluntly ‘no.’ I $10 million with several 000 in the early 1990s, also invested in a beverage even then started questioning pieces of very expensive Moore stretched her small stall situated opposite her how people get started to do equipment. According to stall to three big vending street-side boutique. At business in this country.” the businessman, one of establishments located along age 40, married with three With some knowledge of his equipment is valued Water Street, Georgetown. kids, Moore and her family the institution, he decided to way over $700,000. Estimating her stocks around shares an “excellent life” as approach IPED and in latter Also in 2008, he opened $20 million, Moore along she says, knowing that with... 2004, he secured his first another operation at with her husband sells her business, she can “afford loan of $1.5 million using Vreed-en-Hoop, West bank...

42 Success Stories continued on page 44 43 42 ...stories continued from page 42 AUBREY BILLY CONT'D JOYLYN MOORE CONT'D RODWICK CAMERON CONT'D MOHAN JANGBIR CONT'D established his shop under to do many things” as she wants. Demerara. Although the costly medical expenses Jangbir his house, selling groceries Currently, she is upgrading her trade is not too profitable exhausted all of his money and and other needed items in other two houses at Sophia and due to the current stiff ran his business down to closure. the community. Bladen Hall. “I plan to put my son competition, Cameroon No money and nowhere to turn, He has since borrowed 19-year old to live in the one at reports distribution of 250 he got an idea to set up a ‘rum seven more loans with Sophia. He has a girlfriend and bottles of water per day shop,’ the fastest way of earning IPED to expand his they will be getting married soon,” at each location. Towards much needed income. enterprise. Currently, the the proud mother boasts. The the latter part of 2010, he Knowing that he would need client is servicing the largest other house, she plans to rent. ventured into production of security for a loan, Jangbir got loan he has acquired of Reflecting on her business a smaller one-litre bottled a friend to sell him a stock of $1 million. His business through the years, Moore recalls water. concrete blocks on credit to venture is now valued when she started selling slippers, “I had nothing. So everything prepare his property for the over $4 million and Billy is spoons and ‘hard brushes’ on the I have today in this business business before he went to IPED. looking to expand further. busy pavement at Water Street, is because of IPED…I must Due to his 1986 arrears, IPED “As I see more things that Georgetown, 18 years ago. Her give them kudos because Credit Officers turned down his customers want, I add to stocks at that time were valued when all the other Banks application on previous visits to my shop,” he mentions. just about $20,000. were not lending to start up the Office. Borrowing an average of A young woman in her twenties business, IPED was there. But on that day, Jangbir had two loans per year, Billy back then, Moore was part of a So it is a good organization “a feeling of making headway.” says he also secures short group of Water Street vendors for small enterprises,” He recalls on that day when the time credit under IPED’s who accessed small group loans Cameron observes. Credit Officer brought out files, special lending facility from another commercial Bank in At age 39 and married, showing IPED’s records of the for lifetime events and the City to ply their trade. the businessman has two outstanding payment and took holidays. But due to bad payments from properties, one minibus and him to the Manager. After relating Although not one of the some of the vendors, the Bank one pickup vehicle. his desperation for a chance, the largest shops in Amelia’s stopped lending to the group. He previously owned Manager agreed to grant Jangbir Ward, Billy’s operations is “Because I was good with making several other vehicles a loan of $300,000. highly profitable allowing my payments, the Bank offered and motorcycles which This money he used to pay off the him to invest $500,000 to me a single loan but I refused were used to distribute the block supplier and invest in stocks $600,000 almost fortnightly, because it was me alone and I bottled-water but Cameron for his trade. “As God musse which provide good profits was a small vendor.” subsequently sold these wanted, the rum shop business “Everything really good” Despite the setback, Moore assets. Currently, he uses didn’t work out for too long and I the client responds when continued with her small venture. contracted vehicles and decided to go to furniture,” Jangbir asked about the impact of One day while watching motorcycles to deliver relates. the business on his life. He television, she saw an the products, a more cost By then he has cleared his arrears eagerly reports purchasing advertisement saying “IPED help effective activity. and completed timely payments a minibus that operates in developing small businesses.” Apart from the contract riders with IPED, so he secured another a public transportation Driven by interest, she went to and driver, he provides loan to invest in furniture. service, earning more IPED’s South Road Head Office full-time employment for five It has been four years since income for Billy and and enquired about a loan. She persons. and Jangbir has progressed his family. This venture had no assets but her mother, Illustrating “a simple life,” significantly. provides employment for who owned a property, stood the client admits “there are Still investing to grow his business two persons outside of guarantor for Moore to secure a improvements but of course further, this client is currently Billy’s family. loan with IPED. those improvements have servicing his fourth loan of $1.5 At present, the client That proving to be the starting not been without headaches. million with IPED. happily tells of expanding point, Moore return 22 times However, life is one of His business is currently valued his once three-bedroom again and borrowed more money challenges. It is about rising more than $4 million in stocks and house to accommodate to invest and grow her trade. The to the occasion as the need once more he is living a thriving another room and more largest sum she has borrowed arises but definitely IPED life. convenience for his family. from IPED is $6.0M has been of great assistance Remarried with five children, “My wife say the kitchen too Owning up to the business as to me.” Jangbir supplies high quality small so I put in an extra 20 well, Moore’s husband, son, Cameron acknowledges too furniture to several big stores on feet. Now my house is 50 daughter and daughter-in- that “there are many other the East Coast Demerara. He feet by 29 feet,” the client law now work along with the people out there with lots of even has his own store at Better explains. businesswoman. She employs ideas but no security and Hope, where he markets more Recently, he purchased one full-time worker. that’s where IPED is helpful.” furniture. a car used strictly for Still an IPED client, Moore has her Still as passionate engineer, “If it wasn’t for IPED money, I private transport for the eyes set on importing containers the client is considering won’t ah got anything, no business businessman. of goods from Panama. And, she various ways of reentering and I won’t ah be nowhere today,” is also looking to IPED to help the trade, perhaps setting up Jangbir divulges. further expand. 44 another business venture. 45 44 assets, Carrington mentions paying off a mortgage for money to go back in…you even CHERYL her house as well. used to had to beg workers to go CARRINGTON Her success also extends and reap the paddy and take it out beyond home as Carrington the fields in boats,” recalls Radika. says the business enables Due to the hardships, she began her to help many other thinking to “pull out of the industry” people in the community. and return overseas. Additionally, while she Yet with a pinch of belief that the busily manages the shop at industry would recover, she longed her home, Cheryl’s husband ... 3 to invest and keep the fields going. uses the car, she recently But she was constrained. “I didn’t acquired, to operate a taxi have enough money, so me say let service in the area, gaining me go and borrow the money from more income for Cheryl business IPED to invest.” to invest in her vending Another woman in her community, enterprise and secure the she relates, at that time relied on IPED to grow rice and she advised In the mining town of She has since secured eight Carrington’s livelihood. Radika to do the same. Linden, Cheryl Carrington more loans with IPED, the Founded on her experience, women So in 1999, Radika secured her of 218 Wisroc Housing largest being $1.5 million, Carrington recognizes first loan of $640,000. She has Scheme, is another of and all of these credits, she IPED as “a great help to since serviced 18 loans, most of IPED’s most successful used to keep investing and small entrepreneurs” and which have been used to acquire gladly urges anyone to “go and responsible client, who expanding her trade. “I really costly inputs for each crop. She has to IPED and start up their rose from selling flour in improve after I go to IPED also used IPED’s funding to help business.” the 1980s to a rewarding because the more money I purchase a number of rice farming vending enterprise. borrow the more my business equipment and machinery such as She entered the business grow,” Carrington explains. took the trade to Bartica, using the tractors, combines and grain carts. of vending more than two Her fine entrepreneurial skills sharon carts. radika She now has two combines used to decades ago when she led Carrington to add an ice “Then I fall and after I fall I go to harvest the paddy, three grain carts started selling flour in cream parlour to her shop juman persaud IPED and from there I started to to transport the commodity from the Linden and Berbice River a few years ago after she Twelve years ago you would Coast Demerara, resident met grow. I started with $30,000 and from Rice farming is predominantly led by fields, thereby reducing costs, and a communities. In the latter noticed that there were lots truck to take the paddy to the mills. have seen Sharon Juman IPED in 2000 at a time when that I grow till I reach $6 million with males, perhaps due to the laborious work. 1980s period, her husband of children in the community. However, in Guyana, there are a number These inputs grew Radika’s rice pushing a cart selling clothes she says she had a “great fall” them,” Juman recalls. secured a job in the bauxite Proving very lucrative, the of women, who brave the fields and farming to 240 acres, which assures in Bartica to earn a decent and IPED was there to “pick” Managing six stalls, Juman is a well industry at Aroraima and businesswoman is planning uncertainties of the trade. Radika Persaud, a crop of no less than 6000 bags of and honest living for herself her up and move Juman to the family relocated to the to enlarge this venture and established clothing and footwear of Johanna South, Black Bush Polder is paddy. a future she never imagined mining settlement. There, also intends to seek IPED’s and family. vendor in her region. one of these women. Dubbing IPED a more “friendly to she continued selling help again. However, with 19 loans back in those harsh years. She buys clothing from Suriname, Not just any rice farmer, Radika, in her farmers,” Persaud now reflects on various items in small “With IPED I have seen from IPED over a period of “Without IPED I might ah dey the United States and Curacao. early 40s, is a productive individual who her strides over the years. quantities. great improvements in my 11 years, Juman now owns still pushing meh cart in Bartica While manning the Vreed-en-Hoop managed to not only save a venture on the “Me gain a lot from IPED because About 13 years ago the business. I am doing really three boutiques and three with me small business,” operations, she has her daughter and verge of collapse but harboured the failing with the business, Carringtons returned to good, thanks to IPED,” I get to do a lot more…With IPED you stalls at Vreed-en-Hoop and Juman speculates. niece managing the other stalls at fields to a lucrative industry. How did she Wisroc, where again Cheryl Carrington says, proudly does get money to pay back the loan Parika locations. “Oh gosh I can’t go back to Parika but also provides employment do it? According to her, it is due to IPED’s sold small, basic household adding, “I got plenty stocks funding that complemented her hard work and invest back in the business… She operates a successful those years at all,” she adds. to several other young women. items such as clothing now and I buy a car recently and determination. now I can buy more things and get retail clothing trade that Originally from the Island of and confectioneries. At too.” Today, she estimates Juman adamantly declares, “if I didn’t Married with four children, Radika and up to date with machines and so in Wakenaam, in the Essequibo that time, Carrington’s her business at $5 million. A guarantees her adequate take my loans I won’t ah be like this her husband have been growing rice my business,” she states. daughter, was a client of mother of three, Carrington profit each year and above River, Juman got married at today. It’s the loan push me and I for decades. The family lived for a short Personally, Persaud has a more IPED and encouraged her enjoys enough profits from all, a very comfortable and a young age and moved to still taking. Its all because of IPED I period overseas but later returned home, improved level of life, a vehicle, mom to seek a loan too and this venture which affords her progressive life with her Anna Catherina, West Coast here.” back to rice. At that time, in the 1990s their affords her four children private invest further in the shop and family “a very improved husband and two children. Demerara, to join her husband. Further, she says of her business cultivation was 100 acres. That period in schooling at Port Mourant and “can business. kind of life.” At home with Juman happily mentions A couple struggling to make success, “I buy my own vehicle. Guyana however saw a historical downturn buy anything she wants.” Feeling confident with IPED, Persaud In the year 2000, Carrington her husband and three- too, her ability to help ends meet, Juman worked at Through my business I build a big in the rice industry due to market changes in Europe. The challenges were too much now believes she has reached a made a move and borrowed year-old granddaughter, her brothers, due to her a fisheries, where she started house because before I had a small $500,000 from IPED. Carrington runs a highly and forced many farmers out of the fields. point where she can sustain herself business, a dream she held buying and selling a few pieces house. Also I buy a stall in the Parika This money, she used to successful enterprise. Apart A primary rice farming area, Black Bush in the business. for years. of clothes to her co-workers. A marketing centre and I help my purchase bigger items such from growing into a bigger Polder, suffered the blows. Nonetheless, she is reminiscence An active businesswoman, while after she started selling as stoves for resale in the business enterprise and brothers them too. IPED “Them time was hard because when you that without IPED, her “business this Lot 2 Cornelia Ida, West at the Parika market and later community. acquiring various personal changed my life.” plant you rice and loss, you nah got the might have flopped.”

46 47 anthony jodha .....PHOTO ON CONTENT PAGE Anthony Jodha operates a medium-scale $4-5 million Learning to printing enterprise at Sussex Street, Georgetown. Learning to A well established printer, Jodha has several very big and well-known customers – Guyana Telephone Recognize an and Telegraph Company (GT&T), Demerara Harbour Bridge, ANSA McAl Trading, Demerara Oxygen Opportunity Company, Ministry of Housing and Water, and Opportunity Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). (becoming an entrepreneur) This client started with IPED in 2000 when he acquired an initial loan of $30,000. He has since borrowed over 40 loans, all under IPED’s micro scheme and the largest amount being $300,000. The loans he uses to Look around and think about the following buy printing stocks such as inks and paper. things: Offering full-time employment to two workers, Jodha Do you recognize reaps reasonable profits to keep his business going. 1. Look at how your friends and family use He is always timely with repayment of his loan and has certain products. Do they change the usage? excellent managerial skills. In 2007, IPED awarded him Do they find some aspect inconvenient? How for his strides in business, a very proud achievement could it be improved? Jodha boasts about. 2. Do your friends complain constantly about With two printing machines, a guillotine and other very something in particular? Can you think of a costly equipment, the entrepreneur is still growing. as a viable career? creative solution? He eyes an even bigger establishment with greater 3. What about your brothers or sisters? Is there capacity to print more, owning his own vehicle and Here are your five (5) questions to help property to operate his business. Further, he is looking you by convincing others either to be an something that annoys them? If so, it probably to IPED’s continued help to realize these goals. employee or an entrepreneur: annoys other kids their age. Resolve it and you He recalls his entry into the business in 1997 when he may have a business idea! Let’s reason: Your job is to convince others • What are the top three reasons it is returned home after living abroad for several years. 4. If you have pets, think about their habits. that there are more advantages to being an A resident of Sussex Street, Jodha used his savings better to be an employee/entrepreneur? Is there something they like to eat which was employee or entrepreneur. How would you to invest in one small printing machine and a few • What are the risks or downsides of not designed as pet food? Is there something go about doing that? Hey bro! Yes you……I basic pieces of equipment to kick start his venture. He being an employee/entrepreneur? bothersome about your pets that you’d like to has since been renting the property on which he still heard you received the employee for the • Which is better for family life, being correct? Did your family come up with a clever operates for a small sum of $10,000 per month. year award…..congratulations…I was doing an employee or an entrepreneur? way to accommodate your pet in your house? However, the small operations were not very profitable some thinking and thought of sharing my • Who does better financially, employ- or on a trip? and that’s when Jodha decided to approach IPED. thoughts with you. “Without IPED I couldn’t have gone to any normal ees or entrepreneurs? Here’s a set of thought commercial banks because I had no assets to use as When last you had an idea you felt could make • Which is more satisfying, being an provoking security,” the client outlines. employee or an entrepreneur? questions But with IPED his life has become “wonderful.” Apart millions of dollars?, fine what have you done with for you*. from the business expansion, Jodha highlights being that idea…. Once again I guess correctly ……….. Jot down your able to send his children to schools in the City, a Part of learning how to be an entrepreneur is Did you choose what I thought? ideas and observations. very costly venture but one that he believes is very learning how to look at the world differently. The art I know you did. Don’t feel you have necessary for them to emerge with quality education. of observation and listening carefully becomes the to write complete sentences or He also uses a regular taxi each day to transport vital tool. Strange enough these two vital elements paragraphs. him from home to his business location, thereby are seldom used by individuals to recognize (You’ll have plenty of contributing to the wellbeing and income of another business opportunity that could be anywhere!. time to polish your individual through his operations. Careers including entrepreneurship are important for ideas later.) This is Based on his experience, this client truly believes every individual because they constitute a variety of an activity you can do that IPED is a most convenient and supportive benefits and functions that color the individual’s life. outside of class – lending facility for small entrepreneurs. As such, he Yet, seldom have we taken the time to be like an in the bus, in the mall/ Airplane, at is always eager to tell someone about IPED and even architect in designing our career path. recommends to IPED, new clients. home, at sports practice… anywhere.

48 49 Living a Healthy Hypertension & Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Life Dr. Olicia Henry, M.B.B.S., University of Guyana

Hypertension-Blood pressure of 140/90 and greater. 1 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

Diabetes mellitus-a condition whereby the body is not able to regulate the amount of sugar in the blood, Risk factors for Diabetes 2 resulting in high blood sugar. See risk factors common to both diseases. Hypertension and Diabetes are two of the most common diseases affecting people worldwide. These Hypertension and high cholesterol. conditions can result in damage to various organs in the body that can lead to diseases (e.g. heart disease History of Diabetes in pregnancy- having and stroke) and affect the quality and length of your diabetes during a pregnancy increases your life. Having these conditions can affect your ability to risk of developing diabetes later in life. work in order to provide for yourself and family.

Both conditions are preventable by simply adopting a Risk factors for healthy lifestyle, which should include regular medical 1 check ups. There are some factors which are known Hypertension to increase your chances of developing diabetes and See risk factors common to both diseases hypertension. These are listed below. Some of these risk factors are common to both diseases. Smoking- Tobacco use increases the risk of developing hypertension Risk factors common to both diseases 1,2 Excess alcohol consumption- hypertension claudette is linked to alcohol use Age - People over 40 years have a greater risk of johnson developing diabetes and hypertension. From page 33 ..... her house, completed the upgrading works Gender - Men have a greater risk of developing Prevention of Diabetes and 1,2 and enjoys a very convenient lifestyle. At age 51, hypertension before age 50. Women have a greater of Hypertension her sons have grown and ventured out into the world risk of developing diabetes. of work. Yet Johnson continues to strive. 8 Healthy diet Still a security at Blairmont, she currently grows low sugar, low fat, low salt, high in fruits and Race - Blacks have a higher risk developing more than 100 chickens and has three pens. vegetables. See figure 2 below. She recently bought a car for herself and “don’t hypertension than people of other races. even have to trouble” her salary unless she chooses 8 Regular physical activity to do so. Family history - Type 2 diabetes runs in at least20 minutes 3-5 times per week. But even as she revels in success, she doesn’t families. Having a family member with diabetes or forget “when them people go away and left me with hypertension increases your chances of developing the 8 Maintaining a healthy weight no money, my whole salary at the estate went to pay disease. BMI 18.5 – 24.9. back loan. Plus I had phone bill and food to eat…So I 8 Avoid smoking believe IPED brought me a great lot.” Overweight - the Body mass index (BMI) ≥25 Based on such an experience, Johnson is ready to 8 advise anyone to approach IPED. “Go for it,” she urges, can be used to determine this. The BMI is used to Moderate alcohol use- adding that “once people budget and plan wisely they determine the correct weight for your height. See Beer: 12 ounces/day can improve. Take the loan and use it wisely.” figure 1 below. Wine: 5 ounces /day Cheerily speaking too of “inspiration and 80-proof distilled spirits: 1.5 ounces/day encouragement” she receives from IPED, Johnson Unhealthy eating habits - High in fat, salt knows all too well that a small salary cannot do and sugar. 8 Regular medical check-ups at a frequency much but with a bank like IPED, there are endless determined by your doctor possibilities. Inadequate physical activity cont'd on page 52 “IPED really improve my life and I thank god for 50 51 them.” cont'd from page 51

If you have been diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes it is important for you to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Following the lifestyle plan given to prevent diabetes and hypertension would be useful. You should ensure that you use your medication as directed by your doctor and have regular measurements of your blood pressure and blood sugar to ensure they are within the normal ranges. It is also important for people living with diabetes to examine their feet on a regular basis to ensure that there are no ulcers developing.

Remember, diabetes and hypertension are both preventable and treatable conditions. By following the guidelines given you will be playing an Figure 1 Body mass index chart. Find your height on important role in both preventing and treating these the chart and follow along that line to your weight. Use the color index to determine if you are in the conditions. healthy weight range.1

Food group Servings/day Examples

Whole grain 7-8 Whole wheat bread, cereals, oatmeal

Vegetables 4-5 Tomatoes, calaloo, carrots, cabbage, bora

Fruits 4-5 Bananas, melon, oranges, apples

Dairy 2-3 Skimmed milk, low fat milk, low fat, cheese

Meats, poultry, fish <2 Chicken, fish. Avoid red meat-use only the lean cuts if necessary. Avoid frying

Seeds and legumes 1 Peanuts, lentils beans

Figure 2 Healthy diet plan. Use this as a guide to determine how many servings of each food group you should consume each day. Note that it promotes a low fat, high vegetable and fruits diet.1

1 Managing Hypertension in Primary care in the Caribbean, CHRC, 2007 2 Managing Diabetes in Primary care in the Caribbean, CHRC, 2007

52 55 GUEST HOUSE & ri RESTAURANT 118O LETHEM, RUPUNUNI, REGION 9, TEL NOS 592 772 2124, 592 641 3764

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