Gov’t flood-relief grant reaches Region Four farmers

The Guyana Government remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure those who were affected by
flooding as a result of this year’s extended May-June rainy period receive some form of
assistance as was promised by President Irfaan Ali.
On Saturday, persons residing in Region Four, most of whom are farmers, were the latest to
benefit from the $7.B government-funded relief initiative. A number of government ministers
spearheaded distribution exercises along the East Coast and East Bank of Demarara and other
parts of the region. They engaged farmers and other persons whose crops, livestock, and
household appliances were damaged when their farms and homes became inundated by
floodwaters.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha spearheaded the exercise in Cane Grove and Lancaster.
In his remarks at Cane Grove, Mustapha stressed the fact that everyone entitled will receive
assistance from the government. “The list that was prepared and submitted by our extension
officers and regional officials had 318 persons listed to receive flood relief at this location. We
may not have captured everyone. There might be people who are here today who suffered losses
but their names are not on the list. Rest assured, as long as you suffered losses, you will receive
flood relief from the government. Ahead of today’s exercise, I also instructed our officers to post
the lists at every distribution site so that people can see who are the persons that will receive
today. We are doing this because we want to ensure the lists are transparent and acceptable,” the
agriculture minister said.
Minister Mustapha told cattle farmers that the ministry, through the National Drainage and
Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) will
soon commence works in the area to provide pastures for them to graze their cattle. These works,
he said, are expected to commence within the coming weeks. Several farmers at both locations
expressed gratitude to the President and the government for the grant.
Randy Jackson, a farmer from the Lancaster area, while recounting his losses thanked the
government for the assistance. “The flood affected me a lot because I live near to a canal. I
planted some bora, some cabbage, and I had some chickens and because I’m so near to the canal,
most of the water came in and flood the place. Right now I’m digging the drains so that I can be
in a better position to start planting again. The grant will help me to buy stuff to make a start and
I really appreciate it,” Jackson said.
Another farmer in Mayline Smith from Helena Number Two, also praised the government for the
relief that is being given to farmers. “I want to say thanks to the Minister of Agriculture and the
Government for the cheque that they gave to the farmers so that we can get some help to bring
back our farms,” Smith declared.
The minister pointed out that Region Four recorded the lowest instances of flooding as
floodwaters from the backlands were quickly drained into the Atlantic ocean through the Hope
Canal. He said that the Hope Canal is a structure that came under heavy criticism by the
Opposition while the then PPP government ventured to establish the structure following the 2005

floods. Mustapha crediting the role of the structure in averting extensive flooding in the region,
he said that President Ali had announced that the government intends to establish similar
structures in vulnerable areas across the country.