Govt invested over $13B in Reg 1 since 2020 – Pres Ali

… Govt to further invest in high-value crop

… $10M for dredging of Moruca River, $10M to rehabilitate sports facilities

Since assuming office in August 2020, the Guyana Government has pumped over $13.8 billion into the development of residents in Region One (Barima-Waini) in a bid to improve their livelihood and quality of life.

This was revealed by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a community meeting with residents of Waramuri Village on Thursday.
According to the Head of State, the sum of $5.5 billion was expended over the last four years on the construction and rehabilitation of public infrastructure; $4.1 billion was expended on the drilling of wells and housing in the region; $1.2 billion was invested through Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) for the expansion of poultry production and $1.8 billion in ‘Because We Care’ cash grants for school-aged children.
Additionally, $600 million in presidential grants were provided to villages; $500 million to support agriculture and the ramping up of food production; $107 million for the construction of recreational facilities, and $58 million in support grants for children and adults living with disabilities.
President Ali explained that the monies invested are part of a targeted and multifaceted approach geared at creating growth and development for those residing in the region.

“We are making this investment because we care about you, we want you to have a better life, we want you to be successful, we believe in you and as long as the People’s Progressive Party Civic is in office you will continue to see these investments in your community and your villages,” the Head of State told those gathered.
However, Region One continues to make significant strides towards becoming a major centre for food production, and according to President Ali enormous possibilities in food security still exist.
He said the region alone can produce all the cassava, eddoes, sweet potatoes, yams, turmeric, ginger, and cage-culture fish for the small Island States like Trinidad and Tobago.
Nevertheless, the Guyana Government plans to continue investing in agriculture, specifically high-value crops.
This commitment was made by the President, who explained that the distribution of 10,000 coffee plants, and 20,000 high-bearing Brazilian nuts will commence very soon.
“Breadfruit production is another important regional commodity and we are going to support you by having the market available but these are long-term crops. We want to replant 5000 breadfruit plants in Region One so that we can become an important supplier of bread fruit for the country. We are going to move into these productions because these are crops that have value on the regional market, ease to transport,” he explained.
Further, to ensure that residents and visitors are guaranteed safety when travelling along the Moruca River, the government has made available $10 million to commence the cleaning and dredging of the waterway.

The Moruca River is located in the Barima-Waini region of northern Guyana and is known for its varying water levels depending on the season. The river mouth opens to the Atlantic Ocean, with mangrove forests along the shoreline.
“I know one of your main issues here is the Moruca River…I have instructed already, that this week, $10 million be transferred to the region and by tomorrow, you must start cleaning the river,” President Ali told the residents.
In addition to the dredging of the river, an extra $10 million will be provided to the Waramuri Village for the upgrading and rehabilitation of their sporting facilities.
President Ali reaffirmed that investments are being equally injected into all regions for their fullest development potential and prosperity. Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal has been tasked with spearheading both projects.