‘Collaboration of Govt. bodies key to economic growth- Min. Harmon

DPI, Sunday, April 22, 2018

Several agro-processing and manufacturing enterprises in the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three) area will soon benefit from government assistance.

During remarks at the Regional Agriculture and Commercial Exhibition (R.A.C.E.), at the National Track and Field Ground, Leonora on April 21, Minister Harmon disclosed that he will be conducting a week-long visit (April 23-28) to various establishments within the region, to ascertain ways in which the government can provide assistance to these businesses “to grow and become major producers of local items.”

The State Minister noted that the government is aware of the increased risk factors farmers and entrepreneurs face from climate change and natural disasters, such as the rising sea levels, flooding and drought and its adverse effects on the agriculture sector. However, Minister Harmon maintained, that future regional development is only achievable through the collaboration of the three main arms of the government.

“It is important to understand that if we want our farmers to produce, if we want our people to manufacture, the three levels of the state – central government, regional government and the neighbourhood democratic council have to work together to produce for the common good of the people of this country.”

Additionally, Minister Harmon said mechanisms must be created to generate a renewed sense of national pride in the Guyanese. “It is important for us to understand that the pride we have at home is the same pride that will be transitioned and recognised in the diaspora.”

He added, “Therefore, our strategy in developing these products, we must understand that there is a wider diaspora market for these products that we produce; that there is a wider Caribbean and international market for these products we produce.”

The Minister encouraged locals to move away from being raw producers, to becoming value-added producers in order to promote the “Made in Guyana” brand, which he opined is the brand of the future.

Minister Harmon highlighted several infrastructural projects executed in the region and noted the commitment of the government and various agencies to ensuring the continued development of the region.

By: Crystal Stoll