With plans to “open up” the agriculture sector in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), the PPP/C government is working to make Kwakwani a major producer of honey in the country and the region at large.
And to make this possible, talks have already commenced to have a team of specialists from Cuba to come here and help to develop the industry.
President Dr Irfaan Ali made the announcement on Saturday while addressing a People’s Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C) public meeting held in Kwakwani, Region Ten ahead of the upcoming Local Government elections set for June 12.
President Ali told the gathering that since assuming office, the government has already invested tens of millions of dollars in the country’s agriculture sector.
And, with the country leading in energy, food and climate security, Dr Ali said there are major plans to further develop the agriculture sector in Region Ten.
“We want to open up the agriculture sector in this region. We want to push honey production and get the Guyana Marketing Corporation to come here and work with you so that we can advance the honey industry and we can help in the marketing of the product,” the President said.
“In the coming years, you will see investment in this area so that we can make Kwakwani a major producer of honey for Guyana and the region,” he added.
His announcement was greeted with loud cheers and applause from those gathered.
According to Dr Ali, discussions have already begun with the Cuban government to have a specialized team visit here to assist with this.
Further, in the coming months, President Ali said the government is also working to develop a community tourism sector in the community.
“In the coming months and years, we will be working with you to develop a community tourism facility here in Kwakwani so that you can develop your tourism sector for the beauty of nature that surrounds you,” he noted.
Additionally, President Ali said Demerara Bank has assured him that in two weeks’ time they will be distributing the first 40 loans to community forestry organisations and foresters in the $900M Revolving credit scheme.
“We will be investing in facilities that will allow you to bring value added production to your forest products…That is what we have bought to this country…transformation,” he said.
Over the past months, the PPP/C government has gained more political support from Region Ten, which has been historically controlled by the opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R).
