Region One urged to get back into large scale farming

-as Mabaruma Town host first RACE activity

DPI, Tuesday, Guyana, October 31, 2018

The Mabaruma in the Barima-Waini region hosted its first Regional Agriculture Commercial Exhibition (RACE) under the theme “Fostering a Green Economy through agriculture and Cohesive Villages.”

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, Planning and Implementation Director, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Ramchan Jailall, Mayor of Mabaruma Town, Henry Smith, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Leslie Wilburg and Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley were in attendance.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Fourth Vice President receiving a plant from a young farmer.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Fourth Vice President, Sydney Allicock visit the Hosororo Primary School booth.

Some of the products on display.

One of the exhibitors showcasing her produce.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Fourth Vice President, Sydney Allicock addressing the audience at the opening of the Regional Agriculture Commercial Exhibition (RACE) at Mabaruma.

From left, Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Fourth Vice President, Sydney Allicock, Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley and Mayor of Mabaruma Town, Henry Smith.

In his feature address at the event’s opening at the Mabaruma Settlement Ground, Minister Allicock noted that RACE is key to spurring agriculture and agr0-processing across Guyana.

“It is a launching pad for many more to come, for the very first time we will seek to improve these expos and have them continue to grow in a way where you the local business can benefit. At this launch today, we are reminded that this expo seeks to showcase local businesses. It will present to the public the rich potential economic activities that are here in Region One. This is potential which you seek out and build upon.”

These shows also present opportunities to attract local and foreign investors which will assist in developing the region. Minister Allicock added that it is essential that the residents and local business owners take advantage of the opportunity where they can learn to improve their products.

While encouraging the residents to get back into large-scale farming, Minister Allicock said, “It is a key to improving the economic prospects of your region, improving the physical infrastructure, reducing the cost of transporting goods to market, using sustainable energy to reduce the cost of production, developing thriving agro-processing initiatives and perhaps most importantly there must be cooperation among all levels of Government and the private sector.”

Mayor Smith underscored the importance of value-added products and called on the people of the region to become involved in more agro-processing. “Years ago, Region One provided ground provisions and other food to various parts of Guyana…Let us get back to farming, this is the way to go. While you continue to farm, you need to find markets.”

REO Leslie Wilburg noted that the event is a significant step towards ensuring that the ensure the rest of Guyana and the wider world recognise Mabaruma and what it has to offer.

A number of individuals and agencies including the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Hosororo Primary School showcased their products and services.

Synieka Thorne.

Images: Anil Seelall.