Several communities in Region One (Barima-Waini) are now benefiting from the rollout of flood-relief cash grants to farmers who were affected by the mass flooding that occurred earlier this year.
A farmer receiving his flood-relief grant from Minister Collin Croal during the exercise
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal is leading the distribution exercise in the Sebai and Canal Bank communities of the Matarkai Sub-district in Region One. The first exercise was at Canal Bank, where $9.2 million was distributed to 92 farmers in that area. Croal, who held his first engagement at Canal Bank, was accompanied by Matarkai Neighbourhood Democratic Council Chairperson Orlando Thorne and a team from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Thorne, who said that yesterday’s exercise was the fulfillment of a promise made by the Government, has encouraged farmers to utilise the funds for the purposes intended.
Minister Croal, meanwhile, speaking of the Government’s drive to ensure that all citizens benefit equally from opportunities, said, “Our people in the hinterland must benefit from every Government policy or programme. We have to bridge that gap and create a level playing field.”
He added that this initiative is part of the many measures put in place by the Government to bring relief to citizens affected by the pandemic and the floods.
“Those who benefit from a relief support effort, please keep in mind this is not a full compensation, because we can’t fully compensate you for your loss; but what we can do is help you to return to normalcy by getting back to your farming,” Minister Croal said.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall are also in the region, leading distribution exercises at Matthew’s Ridge and Port Kaituma respectively.
Distribution of the cash grant was announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali on August 1, 2021 after informing that approximately 52,000 households across 300 communities had been affected by the unprecedented level of flooding.
Earlier this year, communities across the country experienced heavy rainfall, resulting in severe flooding that affected livelihoods, including farming and mining. As a result, the President declared a national emergency and announced a support package mechanism so that persons can get back into their farmlands.
Damages and losses in some areas were completely catastrophic when compared to others. Distribution in September saw $110 million in relief going to farmers of Pomeroon, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), so that farmers could reinvest in their lands. In the Pomeroon region, over 1460 farmers and households were eligible for assistance. (G12)
