Flood relief grants distributed nationwide to date totals $2.5 B

The Agriculture Ministry, through the Government has distributed thus far $2.5 B in flood relief
cash grants to farmers nationwide, to help cushion the severe impacts of the May/June flood.
President Irfaan Ali had announced in August that 52,000 households across 300 communities
were affected by the unprecedented rainfall. “The combined assistance to homestead farmers,
kitchen gardens and households for these categories will be in excess of $3.5 billion,” President
Ali had said. He said over $600 M has been disbursed to farmers across the Pomeroon-
Supenaam (Region Two) district with over 3000 farmers benefitting.
The agriculture ministry revealed that rice, cash crops and livestock farmers of Leguan and
Wakenaam, Region Three, received a total of $67.1 M. In the same region, another $22.6 M was
distributed to farmers in the riverine communities of Bonasika, Aliki and Lanaballi. In relation to
Demerara- Mahaica (Region Four), the ministry said that cash grants were given to farmers at St.
Cuthbert’s Mission, Laluni, Swan village and several areas in the Demerara River.
They noted that farmers from Mahaica- Berbice (Region Five) and East Berbice- Corentyne
(Region Six) were among the first to benefit from the government’s assistance. The ministry
pointed out that more than 5000 flood affected farmers in Region Five received $1 B in flood
relief grants, while close to $1 B was also disbursed to farmers at Auchlyne, Lesbeholden,
Yakusari, Johanna and Mibicuri in Region Six.
It said that additionally, some 600 farmers in Region Ten, who were also affected by the flooding
benefitted from the government’s flood relief grant. This, estimated to being over $75 M will be
distributed under the agriculture grant there.
The ministry assured that government has set aside $7.6 B to support farmers who suffered
losses from the recent flooding.
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha said the government will continue to address the needs
of its citizens, noting that everyone who suffered losses will receive assistance from the
Government. He noted that in cases where affected persons’ names are not on the list of
beneficiaries, those issues will be addressed. Mustapha said that officials from the various
agencies will return to ensure the process is smoothly managed.
The minister stressed that farmers who cultivate cash crop, and other large-scale agriculturists
will receive $100,000. He added that those who lost household appliances, and whose kitchen
gardens were affected will get $50,000.