Agri. Minister forms CDC in Ithaca to enhance agriculture production

Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha today returned to Ithaca, Mahaica –
Berbice to form the village’s first Community Development Council (CDC).
A number of residents turned up at the Ithaca Primary School to form the committee
which resulted in the nomination and election of a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary,
Treasurer, and three other members.
Following the meeting, Minister Mustapha informed the newly formed group that the
Government will be making the necessary resources available to push agriculture in the
community.
“We remain committed to working with you to ensure that your community
fits into the Government’s overall development drive. I visited Ithaca a few
months ago and there was a call for a group to be formed to collaborate
with the Government so that this community can once again become a
thriving community in the country. I’m here to fulfill that commitment and
this is only the beginning of good things to happen for this community,”
Minister Mustapha said.
The Minister also told the group that the overall goal of the Government is to ensure
Guyana becomes an agriculture power house in the Caribbean. He also said with the
renewed interest in the agriculture sector, the Government will be working to ensure all
of the agriculture groups have the necessary resources to boost production in the
various communities.
Newly elected Chairman of the group Mr. Michael Jacque said the group will be working
with all classes of farmers in the village.
“This group will be open the all the residents of Ithaca. It will not be restricted to a
particular part or group of persons within the community. I will try my best to give it my
all so that we can have full development throughout the community. We are willing to
work with the Government,” Mr. Jacque said.
Minister Mustapha said the various agencies under his ministry will be working with the
group.
“Agencies like NAREI and the GLDA will be working with you to develop
your production and livestock. NAREI will be working to ensure you
develop your crops and grow new and more high value crops.”
Residents who attended the meeting nominated and elected members of the CDC. Mr.
Jacque was elected as the Chairman of the group, while Mr. Utundy Grant was elected
as the Vice Chairman. Ms. Jewel Sinclair was also elected as the Secretary and Mr.
Adrian Douglas was nominated as Treasurer. Mr. Jermain Benjamin, Ms. Nikita
Sampson, and Ms. Akelia Benjamin were also elected to serve as members of the group.

Minister Mustapha also distributed a number of cleaning products to the group to
distribute to residents who were severely affected by flooding.