Massy Foundation Launches in Guyana with Focus on Food Security, Education and Health

The Massy Group has formally launched the Massy Foundation in Guyana, committing a portion of its local profits to fund social development initiatives, with a strong emphasis on agriculture, education, and public health.

The Foundation, established in 1979 and already active in Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados, provides annual grants to non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Its expansion into Guyana signals a more structured and scaled approach to corporate social investment within the country.

Delivering introductory remarks, Mr. Troy Beharry outlined that the Foundation is intended to move beyond traditional corporate giving, positioning Massy as an active partner in national development. He noted that the initiative is designed to create measurable impact through sustained investment in communities.

A key feature of the programme is its funding mechanism. One percent of Massy’s profit before tax generated in Guyana will be set aside annually to finance projects aligned with the Foundation’s priorities. These include food security, access to education, and health and well-being.

Agriculture emerged as a central pillar during the launch, particularly through ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture. Representing the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Richard Blair highlighted several joint initiatives already underway, including support for agro-processing, shade house projects, and mobile processing units.

Dr. Richard Blair

These programmes are geared toward strengthening food production and expanding market access for local farmers, particularly women and young entrepreneurs. Blair noted that value-added products developed through these initiatives are already being distributed through Massy’s retail network, providing a direct link between small-scale producers and commercial markets.

He emphasized that improving food security requires more than increased production, pointing to the need for better distribution systems, technical training, and innovation in agriculture. The partnership with Massy, he said, reflects a model where private sector support can help scale and sustain these efforts.

Delivering the feature address, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud, underscored the broader social implications of the Foundation’s work, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Minister Vindhya Persaud and Mr. Troy Beharry

Persaud noted that the Foundation’s focus areas align closely with government priorities, especially in addressing poverty, strengthening families, and expanding opportunities for women and youth. She pointed to existing national programmes, including the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), as avenues where collaboration with the private sector could accelerate impact.

She further highlighted the importance of tackling interconnected social challenges, noting that food insecurity, limited access to education, and health issues often reinforce each other. Addressing these issues collectively, she said, is critical to achieving sustainable national development.

The Minister also welcomed the Foundation’s structured approach to funding, particularly its commitment to transparency, measurable outcomes, and partnership with existing organizations rather than duplication of efforts.

As part of the launch, several local organizations were identified as beneficiaries, including the Guyana Girl Guides Association, Lotus Cancer Initiative, Rotary Club of Garden City, and Women Across Differences. These groups operate across key sectors such as youth development, health advocacy, and community empowerment.

The Massy Foundation’s entry into Guyana comes at a time of rapid economic growth, with increased calls for private sector participation in social development. With a defined funding model and targeted priority areas, the initiative is expected to help bridge gaps in community support systems.

Stakeholders at the event indicated that the success of the Foundation will depend on sustained collaboration among business, government, and civil society—particularly in areas such as agriculture, where food security remains a national priority.