Region One villages get tractors to boost agri production

Three villages in Region One (Barima-Waini) are now the recipients of three new tractors, to boost agricultural production, making them more self-sufficient and food secure.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, MP, handed over the vehicles to the Chairperson of the Community Development Councils (CDC) of Hosororo, Bumbury Hill and Wainaina Hill. These are three of 137 Amerindian villages slated to receive tractors.

Minister Sukhai affirmed that it is critical for communities to become food secure, especially with the uncertainty the COVID-19 pandemic poses.

“That’s the hallmark of my government, where we are advancing in every sector, opportunities because our people in this environment of Covid need to survive…You as a community will have to ensure that it is used for the right purpose, that it is not abused, that it is maintained and that it provides the level of support in the sectors in which it would be put to use,” Minister Sukhai said.

Chairman of Region One, Brentnol Ashley urged the CDCs to care and maintain the tractors to ensure longevity.

Minister Sukhai also pointed out that the tractors can be used in sectors other than agriculture, such as logging and can be advertised to be hired.

The Amerindian Affairs Minister said the onus is on the CDCs to control the use of the tractors and affix prices for their use, to ensure the villages are financially rewarded.

After receiving the key to the tractor, Chairman of the Wanina Hill CDC, Marlon La Cruz said that each member of his community will directly benefit from the vehicle.

The Government continues to work towards the development of Amerindians to bridge the gap between persons living in the hinterland and those on the Coast.