Investments to ship produce directly within Caricom, reliable electricity for Region 1 – Ali

Enabling direct market links for agricultural produce to the Caribbean is a major vision planned out for Region One (Barima-Waini), and President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced a series of investments in electricity and infrastructure for it to come to fruition.
The Head of State addressed residents of Port Kaituma on Monday evening as he was joined by Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall, and Housing Minister Collin Croal.
In terms of agriculture, Ali told residents that they can expect support to ensure all arable lands are put to use as well as transportation mechanisms to access markets. In the first quarter of 2023, the new MV Ma Lisha will start plying the North West route.

President Ali voiced, “We want to help you with the equipment, help you establish the farms so that we can have proper drainage, help you so that we can build the productive capacity in the region and then support you with transportation infrastructure so you can get the produce to the market.”
“Now that we’re removing the trade barriers in Caricom, we could easily get our food production and agricultural products in the market. What we want do is export directly from here to those locations.”
To do this, it was stated that a proper facility in keeping with all health and shipping standards in the region is necessary, to which a new wharf is in the pipeline for storage and shipping purposes.
In the new week, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha will be visiting the region to draft an extensive plan on bringing these ideas to fruition and creating a system where there is high-value production.
“We want to target the high-value crop so when the Minister of Agriculture is here, he will be discussing a comprehensive approach to agriculture and food production using technology and the best possible resources available to us,” the President relayed.
As it relates to transportation, the Guyanese leader said his Administration is looking not only at agriculture but general commute for citizens and children going to school.
“We have to ensure that transportation is not a hindrance for children going to school. One of the things we’re going to do next year is a full assessment of all the riverine communities. We are going to support those villages with riverine transportation so that those children would not have the excuse of transportation for not being in school.”

Electricity
In Region One, Government is working towards increased water access with 17 functioning wells, in fulfilling the promise of 100 per cent coverage by 2025.
Ali addressed the issue of electricity, adding while it is a demand, the cost must also be affordable. In putting mechanisms to have such, increased usage of technology and greater connectivity can be realised.
“These communities are geographically challenging so we have to build off grid systems that will support your future development needs because we want every single school in Guyana to have a smart classroom. We want every single centre to be connected through technology to the hospitals in Georgetown,” the Head of State relayed.
A solar farm has already been budgeted for Mabaruma but authorities are examining the viability of a 900 KVA solar farm for Port Kaituma to enable greater self-sufficiency.
Meanwhile, during his visit to the region, residents from Mabaruma were also engaged earlier on Monday. Ali pointed out that a governance system which allows equal delivery of services to the coastal, hinterland and riverine communities should be achieved.
“Our strategy is a very simple strategy. That strategy is to bring prosperity to every home, to ensure that every single Guyanese family can live a better-quality life, to have better access to education, healthcare and everything that makes your life easier, happier and better,” he told the gathering.

Opportunities
In the hinterland, access to employment and educational opportunities has always been a bugbear for youths, who are also faced with the constraints of remoteness and finance. Consequently, the President has committed to training for persons seeking such ambitions, as he asked them to take the opportunities that will come their way.
“Every single person in the hinterland, who has the qualification and would like to be a healthcare worker, a nurse, a technician, get registered in the programme. We will pay for you to be trained and we will place you here in the healthcare system because we need you. Your opportunity is now!”
More ICT hubs, smart classrooms and better data connectivity are in store for Region One – a significant factor in realising such plans.
Residents were given a chance to raise all community issues with the Government’s team, among which were access to water, improved drainage systems, rehabilitation of roads and employment for youths.
The President also assured that land issues and other matters will be resolved by the relevant authorities. (G12)