75,000 face masks sewn in first batch of Ministry’s initiative 

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security on Tuesday received over 75,000 face-masks, which represents the first batch sewn by individuals who were hired under the Ministry’s Garment and Accessories Cottage initiative to supply masks to various entities, including schools.

The initiative was piloted by Dr Vindhya Persaud, the subject Minister on October 19, 2020, to create job opportunities for vulnerable groups impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now two weeks after, 72 persons are employed. The next step is training.

Minister Persaud revealed that a four-week training programme has been drafted for the individuals and will commence the third week of November. Areas to be covered include an introduction to business literacy; microenterprise; entrepreneurism; conflict resolution and social issues.

One of the persons who delivered masks Tuesday was Kamlawattie Rampersaud of Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara. She disclosed that she and three other women worked together to sew 500 masks within seven days. She is therefore encouraging women to take advantage of the Ministry’s project.

“It was fun… we bonded, doing something we liked and are getting paid for it.” (Press release extracted and modified from Ministry of Human Services and Social Protection)