Govt commits to working with Reg 10 to unlock productive potential – Min Mustapha

The Government is advancing a comprehensive vision to transform Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) into a more diversified and economically vibrant region, with agriculture positioned as a key driver of investment, entrepreneurship, employment, and sustainable development.
The initiatives were highlighted by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during a series of engagements within the region as part of the recently concluded Cabinet outreach.
The Cabinet outreach has provided an important platform for the Government to engage directly with residents, farmers, community leaders, young people, and other stakeholders, allowing policymakers to hear concerns first-hand, identify opportunities, and respond with practical interventions that can positively impact communities.

During his engagements, Mustapha met with residents and farmers, engaged members of the Rastafari community at the House of Nyabinghi at Wismar Shore, and held discussions with young people interested in entering modern tunnel-ventilated poultry production.
The engagements also highlighted the significant potential for agriculture to become a stronger pillar within Region 10’s economy, particularly as the Government continues to pursue opportunities beyond the region’s traditional economic activities.
“We want agriculture to be a major pillar in the economic transformation of this region. We are looking at how we can expand agriculture here, create opportunities for our young people, support entrepreneurs, and attract investment,” Mustapha said.
He pointed to ongoing efforts to expand soybean and bean production, livestock development, mechanised agriculture, and the cultivation of high-value crops to supply growing local and national markets.
Mustapha also disclosed that the Government is currently engaging an investor interested in undertaking hemp production in Region 10. The proposed investment has the potential to introduce another area of economic activity while creating opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and local participation.
Another area showing growing interest among young people is modern poultry production. On this subject, he stated that the Government is working to support young entrepreneurs interested in establishing tunnel-ventilated poultry operations through the Agriculture Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP).
The programme is intended to provide young people with opportunities to enter agriculture using modern technology and production systems while helping to strengthen domestic food production and create sustainable agricultural enterprises.
Furthermore, he added that the level of interest demonstrated during the Cabinet Outreach reflects the considerable potential that exists within the region, and reinforces the importance of the Government maintaining direct engagement with communities.
“The Cabinet Outreach is important because it brings the Government directly to the people. We are listening, we are identifying the opportunities, and we are working to ensure that the resources and programmes of the Government can reach the communities that need them,” Mustapha said.
Meanwhile, he reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working with residents, farmers, young people, investors, and community groups to unlock Region 10’s productive potential and ensure that the region benefits from Guyana’s continued economic transformation.
“We have to develop this country. This country belongs to every one of us, and every region and every community must have an opportunity to benefit from the development taking place in Guyana,” the Minister said.
The Government’s continued engagement through the Cabinet Outreach forms part of its broader commitment to ensuring that development remains inclusive, community-focused, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of Guyanese across the country.