The Chairperson of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Ms Genevieve Allen, has revealed that the Public Telecommunications Ministry, in collaboration with the technological entity Innovative Systems, will be launching an app to address the issues facing farmers within Guyana.
Systems, Julius Simon
Founder of Innovative Systems, Julius Simon, told the media that the app would be launched on November 24th, when the Region 4 Democratic Council opens the Regional Agriculture and Commercial Exhibition (RACE).
“We’ve developed an agricultural trading platform which stemmed from an earlier initiative of the Ministry of Public Telecommunications to build a solution to alleviate and address some of the concerns farmers in Guyana face. We’ve built this platform so that the farming or agriculture sector in Guyana can be taken further in the 21st century by using technology,” he explained.
Simon said the app combines traditional agriculture with modern software that can easily connect farmers to their consumers. He added that Innovative Systems is currently in discussion with the Telecommunications Ministry and other agencies to further refine and develop their technology.
“It (the App) combines traditional agriculture with modern software. We built a platform that can easily connect the producers of agricultural items (with) the consumers. We are mainly focusing on the local market; but, because of the technology, it could be expanded to regional and further afield. At the exhibition, we are hoping to showcase what we have done so far, and get the input, because we are still in the prototype stage, so we can get reviews,” he explained.
Regional Chairperson Allen has said that the idea of RACE is to explore, establish, and expand new and existing ways to enhance trade at the various levels of business in the region. She said the RDC thought that it would be wise to exhibit the region’s existing production and manufacturing capabilities while providing a meeting place for producers, manufacturers and consumers to engage each other.
“Creating food security, sustainable development through trade and establishing healthy village economies can no longer be achieved using the same old methods when science and technology continue how business is done,” she said.
The event is celebrated under the theme “Region 4 — Advancing Sustainable Development through Trade”. It opens at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara on November 24, and runs until November 26. RACE would feature over 100 exhibitors from both the private and public sectors, along with live entertainment.
Allen also said the RDC has taken note that the country is being propelled in a direction that demands fresh and innovative ideas that would guarantee sustainable development. She added that RACE has been launched for this reason, as it creates an opportunity for bold and unique ideas that would allow for citizens to be more competitive in the provision of their goods and services. She said that, so far, applications have been received for 90 per cent of the booths, and exhibitors would be displaying in the areas of science, technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and production.
RACE was launched at the Ramada Princess Hotel on September 8. The Lusignan Community Centre Ground will be transformed into a commercial hub as the RDC creates a platform for the farmers, producers, manufacturers, and innovators of the region to display and promote their businesses while connecting with local and international investors.
