Massy Foundation Guyana – a community centered initiative focused on food security, access to education and good health and wellbeing – was launched last Wednesday.
Through the initiative, the Caribbean conglomerate, Massy, intends to provide support to individuals and groups, strengthen communities and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable Guyana.
Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Office of Massy Distribution (Guyana) Troy Beharry said for more than four decades the Massy Foundation has worked alongside communities in Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, in helping to reduce hardship, ease hunger, expand access to education and support health and wellbeing. He said that commitment is now being extended to other territories including Guyana.
Mr. Beharry explained that Massy has a responsibility to not only contribute to the Guyana’s economic development, but also to the wellbeing of communities.
“Our focus in Guyana will be clear and discipline. The foundation will support high impact initiatives in three priority areas – food security, access to education and good health and wellbeing. And these are not abstract ideas, they are human needs. Food security speaks to dignity, stability, and the ability of families to thrive. Education opens doors for young people; strengthens families and create opportunities across generations. Health and wellbeing touch every home, every workplace and in every community,” Beharry said.
However, he made it clear that the Foundation has no intention to compete with Government or other Non-Governmental organisations that are already doing vital work, but rather to partner with credible institutions and committed people.
The Chairwoman of the Massy Foundation Advisory Panel, Teisha Milner, said the establishment of the Foundation reflects Massy’s deep commitment to creating meaningful impact within communities that goes well beyond business, and aligns with its corporate social responsibility.
“Through this foundation, we are formalizing our efforts to invest in people, support sustainable investment and empower lives not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean. This initiative is not just about giving, it is about partnerships, it is about working alongside stakeholders, government and communities to create opportunities, foster resilience and drive positive change where it matters most,” Milner said.
Milner said the company’s focus is simple but powerful.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, lauded the initiative, telling those present at the launch that the Massy Foundation will augur well for Guyanese, particularly those living in vulnerable communities.
“Today, I express my gratitude to you for taking 1% of your profit before tax – that’s a significant amount and giving a slice of your success in a purposeful, meaningful, thoughtful and impactful way to the families that need it, the child who has a dream in education that will no longer be contained because of his parents’ purse, wallet, account; the mother who requires everyday to put food on the table for her family; the person out there, the average person out there who is grappling in the throes of mental health and wellbeing, and of course, anyone who sees not only a dream but the path towards fulfilling that dream. I thank you,” Minister Persaud said.
The Massy Foundation dates back to 1979 when it was first launched in Trinidad and Tobago with a focus on poverty alleviation, and the relief of suffering and distress for disadvantaged persons.
In 2015, it was launched in Barbados with a similar mandate.
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