Rio Claro/Mayaro has highest rate of poverty

He made this known while addressing 60 entrepreneurs who are beneficiaries of the SEE D (Sowing Em- powerment through Entrepreneurial Development) programme on Tuesday morning at the Simplex Complex in New Grant, Princes Town.

According to Ramoutar, investment in this part of the country is not one that government is taking lightly given the state of the country’s finances.

“It is imperative even as we seek to cut costs and attempt to weather the economic storm that we also inspire and enable citizens to become creative, self sufficient, financially independent and grow businesses, with the power to add jobs and revenue to communities that desperately need them,” Ramoutar said.

Ramoutar noted that as a resident of the area, he can attest to the fact that Mayaro/Rio Claro has the potential to become a major part of TT’s food basket, “if we are able to successfully revitalize agriculture.” He said those opting for crop-production will be working toward developing the economy and emphasized that creating a strong, modern, prosperous and competitive agriculture sector is essential to improving food security. “Small farmers like yourselves are a critical piece of the puzzle we need to solve in order to reduce food prices, while lifting families out of poverty,” he said.

Ramoutar also outlined that the country is experiencing challenging times where people are asked to do more in some cases with much less. He also said that Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has asked his (Ramoutar) ministry to develop on the Social Mitigation Plan in order to cushion the impact of the economic downturn on vulnerable groups in society.

“Now more than ever we need all of our skills, ideas and talents to be put to use in the service of our families, our communities and our country,” he stated, adding that the challenge TT faces is great but it is in times like these, that we stand together as a nation as the words of the National Motto says, ‘Together we Aspire Together we Achieve.’ Ramoutar encouraged business owners to see the grant as an investment in their families, their communities and the nation as a whole. This programme by the government, he said, will touch 180 families in the south land. He urged entrepreneurs to honour the investment by committing themselves to ensure the success of their businesses.

The SEE D programme enables an individual to become self-sufficient and financially independent.

Under this programme, individuals are given access to tools, equipment and material to start or expand a mini or micro enterprise.

He went on to say that business-owners are supported through a multi-pronged system which provides business training, education and mentorship, thereby maximizing their potential for success. Businesses including landscaping, crop-production, cosmetology, minimart, auto body works, plumbing, and electrical services.

He congratulated the beneficiaries of the SEE D programing quoting an old Chinese proverb, ‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step’.

Motivational speaker Hanif Benjamin also addressed the gathering urging entrepreneurs to stop at nothing to achieve the success they searching for. Deputy Director of PREP-PU Beverly Kirton also spoke on the human and social development, urging those in attendance to work hard at their given businesses.