President Ali reaffirms commitment to revitalising hinterland communities

─ 30 tractors handed over to Amerindian villages

His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Wednesday handed over 30 tractors and trailers totaling some $446 million to Toshaos of Amerindian villages across the country.

Addressing the ceremony held at the Hinterland Student Dormitory at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, Dr. Ali said the initiative is part of Government’s commitment to revitalising the livelihoods and economies of the communities.

He said the intervention has come at a critical time, as the country battles the unprecedented nationwide flooding which has impacted the agriculture and other sectors.

“Many interior communities have been affected by the floods resulting in the loss of produce and the destruction of farmlands. In some communities, the availability of food remains perilous. We are, however, going to rebuild stronger and better,” the President said.

His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali handing over the tractor keys to Mr. Llyod Perreira, Toshao for Wakapoa, Region Two

President Ali assured the village leaders that his Government will work closely with farmers to restore their farmlands. He said a plan is underway that will help farmers recover, while building a more resilient agriculture sector.

“Food security has ben impacted by the decline in non-traditional agriculture between 2015-2020. Production of non-traditional agriculture declined from 11,000 metric tonnes in 2015 to 9,077 metric tonnes in 2020. This is compounded also, by the decline in agro-processing.”

His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali greets a Toshao

Against this background, the President noted that a number of initiatives are being undertaken to boost hinterland food security. The extension services system is being revamped to become fit for purpose. Government is also securing adequate planting materials and breeding stock to support hinterland agriculture.

“We are committed to revitalising agriculture extension services to our hinterland communities.”

A Toshao poses for a photo op in one of the new tractors

Dr. Ali said the Government will be boosting the capabilities of the Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

In an interview with DPI, Ms. Sonia Latchman, Toshao of Bethany Village, Region Two, expressed gratitude to the Government for its timely intervention.

Several of the 30 tractors handed over to the Toshaos

“These tractors will definitely go to the development of our village. Right now, we are currently working on our roads, and definitely with the dump trailer that we are getting with the tractor, the tractors will be of good use in Bethany.”

Meanwhile, an additional 83 tractors, hydraulic carriage, and implements will be handed over to more hinterland communities to support agriculture in the villages. Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Hon. Pauline Sukhai, also attended the event