Tag: WIIN

51 survivors of domestic violence graduate from entrepreneurship course

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Fifty-one survivors of domestic and gender-based violence have graduated from the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network’s (WIIN) Entrepreneurship Certificate Course, marking a milestone in their efforts toward independence and empowerment.

The women, who were supported through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit (SO&DVPU), received their certificates during a ceremony held on Tuesday at the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI).

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, commended the graduates for their resilience and determination, describing their achievement as a “personal transformation in the face of adversity.”

“You have already grown. You’ve already surpassed many of the things and people who told you, time and time again, that you couldn’t do. This journey was you doing it for you, in spite of fear, struggles, and sacrifice, and you should be immensely proud,” Minister Persaud told the empowered women.

She announced that all 51 graduates will receive assistance to start their entrepreneurial ventures, including continued support with business registration, mentorship, and access to WIIN’s online business development tools.

Minister Persaud also urged the women to join the Community Advocacy Network, a national movement designed to empower survivors to support others still experiencing abuse.

“We are going to start a powerful movement today, a support and advocacy network. A movement where you are going to speak to those women out there and tell them what you went through. Don’t be afraid, use your voice because it is who you are and where you were. And it will help other women just like you, to take a courageous step,” she said.

The minister also outlined future opportunities for the graduates to engage in the ministry’s care economy initiative, which provides training and support to establish licensed childcare and eldercare facilities in communities.

“You must have the want, the will, the hunger and the desire to do it. So, take these opportunities that are coming to you and make them work for you. You won’t be working only for yourself; you will be providing employment for other persons as well,” Minister Persaud said.

She reminded the women that every step forward, regardless of its size, represents progress and personal victory.

Since its inception, the WIIN programme has trained and empowered more than 19,000 women across Guyana, providing skills development, entrepreneurship training, and financial literacy support to promote sustainable livelihoods.

A graduate receives her certificate from Minister Persaud (Credit: MHSSS)

ANUG joins WIN ahead of elections

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

A New and United Guyana (ANUG) and We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) have joined forces ahead of the 2025 general elections.

The alliance has been formalised under the WIN banner.

The agreement was signed on 28 June at WIN’s headquarters in Georgetown by WIN leader Azruddin Mohamed and ANUG leader Mark France. France had previously said that ANUG will not take money from the Mohameds.

News of the agreement comes a day after Azruddin’s uncles, Mohamed Haseeb Yusuf and Mohamed Yusuf, issued public statements endorsing President Irfaan Ali for a second term in office and urging voters to ignore their nephew.

Both men argued that Azruddin is inexperienced and unfit for political leadership, with Mohamed Yusuf referring to him as a “social media freak” and a “narcissist”.

Azruddin has not yet responded to their claims.

However, both ANUG and WIN said the merger aims to offer voters an alternative platform focused on governance reform, national development, and inclusivity.

The parties added that they hope the partnership will broaden their reach and influence ahead of the upcoming polls.

A loss for WIIN: GECOM rules against political use of national symbols

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has ruled that political parties cannot use national symbols in their branding, following controversy over a new party’s use of the jaguar from the country’s Coat of Arms.

We Invest in Nationhood (WIIN), a newly formed political party, had adopted the jaguar symbol as part of its party imagery. The jaguar is one of the central elements of Guyana’s Coat of Arms.

Citing Article 7 of the Constitution, the GECOM Chair emphasised that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and that citizens have a duty to respect national symbols. As a result, the use of the jaguar — recognised as a national emblem — in party branding or campaign material was deemed unacceptable.

This decision reaffirms the principle that national symbols should remain apolitical, serving to unite the nation rather than be associated with any individual political movement. It also establishes a clear precedent that political parties must avoid any imagery that could create the impression of state endorsement or infringe on the integrity of national symbols.

While GECOM did not target WIIN specifically in the ruling, the case was a direct catalyst for the discussion, highlighting the importance of maintaining a neutral and respectful approach to the use of culturally and nationally significant imagery in politics.