We chose The Pomeroon because of its fertile land, the stunning natural environment and the unique local communities.

A LASTING COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY

Stimulating the local economy: We employ over 50 people from The Pomeroon - a number that will grow as our operations expand. A productive coconut estate will tackle rural unemployment, bring practical skills training, and create economic opportunities for indigenous peoples.

Environmental stewardship: We are in the process of gaining Rainforest Alliance certification and NEVER cut down forest for our operations. We are re-planting tens of thousands of trees, clearing waterways and investing in drainage.

Female empowerment: too few women in The Pomeroon are afforded the opportunity to make a fair living and be independent. We want to change this. We aim to have a 100% female workforce at the Pomeroon Coconut Nursery and will take every opportunity to employ women in all aspects of our business.

THE POMEROON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND

In December 2017 we launched the Pomeroon Development Fund to finance local community projects. There two areas of focus are:

1. Education

2. Women empowerment

We chose this corner of Guyana because of its fertile land, the stunning natural environment and the unique local communities. To support this community, we pledge to play a meaningful role in stimulating the local economy; to protect the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices; and to develop the socio-economic environment for women and children along the river. 

PROJECTS

Project 3: Rural Education Project: Abrams Creek Primary School is a small rural school on the Warapana River. Our vision to to create a community of readers by building a new library (stocked with textbooks, novels, story books and educational materials) and a first-class computer lab. We are pleased to be partnering with the Guyana Energy Agency, Ministry of Telecoms, and Department of Education. See photos of The Blessing Ceremony here.

Project 2: Women's Empowerment Seminar Project: We designed and sponsored a seminar series for 50 women from the Pomeroon community covering gender equality, entrepreneurship and access to finance. The workshop was run in conjunction with the Ministry for Social Protection and established self-help groups for women in the Pomeroon to link them to development agencies and lending institutions. There was also optional (and free) cervical cancer screening, led by the Cancer Institute of Guyana. This project was made possible through a generous donation by Hannam & Partners. For more information about the seminars, click here.

Project 1: Hackney Primary School Project: We built a dining room at a local primary school in the Pomeroon. Prior to the new dining room, the children had to eat outside (in the direct sun) or inside (thereby dirtying the classroom) as there was no dedicated dining area. The new beautiful wooden dining room will accommodate all children and teachers, thereby facilitating the existing feeding program and teaching of dining etiquette. The dining room is constructed in the local traditional style using local materials and local craftsmen. Read more about The Blessing Ceremony here. 

Pomeroon Community Projects - Photostream