11 hinterland areas receive $70.3M investment to ensure food security, economic empowerment

As $70.3M is being invested in 11 communities in Region Nine for 25 projects, food security for the hinterland remains a priority for government.  It was revealed that the investment falls under the Agriculture Ministry’s Hinterland Environmentally Sustainable Agricultural Development Project (HESADP).

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, revealed this on the sidelines of day three of the National Toshaos Conference being held at the Arthur Chung Conference. He noted that the monies will go towards the development of infrastructure in the various communities such as roads and bridges while there be focus on the development of business ideas for economic empowerment.

Mustapha pointed out that villages to benefit are Karasabai, Kokshebai, Tiger Pond, Pai Pang, Taushida, Tiperu, Rukumuto, Yurong Paru, Aranaputa, Fairview, and Shea. As such, contracts were signed with the leaders of the community who will be executing the works.

Mustapha, during his remarks following the signing of the contracts, said that the government has been developing these areas over the years. “This shows our commitment to develop the interior areas of our country, we are continuing working with our Toshaos, working with our indigenous leaders,” he said.

The minister disclosed that some of the works to be undertaken include rehabilitation of farm roads, construction of community benabs, a sanitary block and two boats. Further, village councils and a number of women’s groups will be venturing into ranch improvement, development of shade houses, poultry production, and cattle rearing among other projects.

Minister Mustapha said that this will enhance and develop the beneficiary communities. “So, not only on the coastal areas and urban areas of our country, but we are moving rapidly to develop our interior areas to make it modern and also develop our first people,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Toshao of Shea, Jason Caitan expressed his gratitude for the investment government is making in his community. Caitan pointed out that $1.8M will go towards enhancing the ranch in the community for tourist attraction.

President Irfaan Ali, at the opening of the National Toshaos Conference stressed that government has invested over $50B in Amerindian communities in various areas. Ali noted that of that amount, $2B went towards agriculture as government pushes to achieve food security, and reduce CARICOM’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

Additionally, it was revealed that the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) will be distributing 25 Black Giant chickens to 2000 households in the hinterland by the end of October 2022.