Stockpile more food to prepare for disasters – Sukhai tells hinterland residents

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai on Saturday told residents of Itabac, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), to increase their agricultural production in a bid to cater for disasters such as flooding.

During the visit to Region Eight, Minister Sukhai interacted with residents on disaster preparedness. She also distributed hampers to those who were affected by flooding.
According to Sukhai, the Government has been encouraging farmers, over the past years, to prepare themselves for rainy days.
“Over the years, we have said that you should begin to plant more than you are doing, and to begin stockpiling for disaster… you can’t only live for today, and live for a month and two months, you have to plan well to ensure that your food security is going to be something that you do not have to be at risk in a disaster,” she said.
Sukhai lamented that the Government had supported the community by building a farine factory, but it was no longer operational.

“Today, where is that farine factory? That farine factory should have been making and storing farine. Farine don’t spoil, it stays for a long time if you package it well and you store it safely. If you plant enough cassava, it can ensure that you can carry yourself through a disaster,” she said.
The Minister added the farine factory would have been a great way to preserve food in times like these.
“We have to be careful with our development, we have to think long term. We have to make sure that we think differently, because if you had the worst of flood like some other villages, where even your house was under water, what would all of us do in Guyana?” she asked.
Minister Sukhai implored the residents to work together, to secure their food.
Earlier this month, President Dr Irfaan Ali declared the widespread flooding affecting Guyana a national disaster.
Guyana has been inundated by heavy rains since May, which have caused widespread flooding. The devastation includes submerged buildings and vehicles, with adverse effects on crops, livestock and health.
A total of 28,228 households have been affected by flooding, some with water entering their homes, domestic animals and livestock in distress or farmland inundated. (G9)