More farmlands to be made available in Dartmouth, Region Two

The government has announced plans to open more farmlands available in Dartmouth, Region Two aimed at increasing agriculture productivity.

This initiative forms part of the administration’s continued commitment to advancing and modernising the agriculture sector.

Speaking at a community engagement in Dartmouth on Thursday, President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said, “We want to increase productivity, open up more lands, invest in the lands here, so you can be productive; so that we can see productive expansion; greater use of the agricultural land, expanded productivity is an important part of what we’re investing in.”

He went on to say that a key aspect of this involves investing in communities, as it fosters greater opportunities for residents.

President Ali reassured the residents that the government remains committed to fulfilling their promises to support their development.

He cited several examples to substantiate this fact. In the education sector alone, the restoration of the ‘Because We Care’ Cash Grant has placed $1.7 billion into the pockets of parents in Region Two.

In the agriculture sector, President Ali highlighted that residents were encouraged to present their requests, which the government not only met but exceeded. For instance, residents requested 100 acres of land to be cleared for agriculture and upon seeing the possibilities, the government cleared over 100 acres.

Furthermore, the head of state said that requests were made for the community to embark on several other agricultural initiatives. Among these include the provision of breeding bulls, in which two were provided, the Blackbelly sheep, swine development and the broilers programme.

In addition, Dartmouth also benefitted from the distribution of fertilisers, chemicals, and seeds.

In relation to infrastructural development, the President reported that $400 million was invested in roads alone. An additional $64 million was invested to boost drainage and irrigation.

Aspiring entrepreneurs have not been left behind, as Small Business Grants were distributed to nine business owners from the community.

The president pointed out that nearly $6 billion was expended towards the rehabilitation of the health centre, along with additional rehabilitation works on the living quarters, the neighbouring democratic council’s (NDC) building, and the construction of culverts and sheds among other investments.

“These are all investments [that] we can point to within your community itself [that] enhance your living standards, to improve your conditions… This is a demonstration of the philosophy of this government. The philosophy of this government is to invest in every community, to invest in every Guyanese,” the Head of State mentioned.

He contrasted the works of the current government to the unfulfilled promises made by the coalition during the 2015-2020 period.

“You have [had] many commitments made to you between 2015 and 2020. Many, many commitments, including doubling the “Because We Care” grant. Instead, they took it away from your children. So, you must be conscious. We must be honest to our consciences,” he reminded.

The president stated that these outreaches are part of the government’s vision of maintaining a consistent and open dialogue on the grassroots level with all citizens.

“I am here not to remind you of all that we have done, but I am here as part of our government’s philosophy, of continuous engagement; to continue the listening process, to hear from you [about] how these developments would have impacted your community,” President Ali posited.

The head of State further emphasised the importance of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government understanding its people’s needs and priorities in development.