More opportunities for export will be opened up to farmers – President

By Indrawattie Natram

Thousands flocked the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground to be part of Essequibo Night as President Donald Ramotar officially opened the activities for the two-day event.

Ramotar said investments made by the government will allow greater exports for coastland farmers. He was at the time speaking about the government’s intention of building a deep water harbour to Brazil and roads leading to the Rupununi.
“Once the deep harbour is built, more lands will be opened up in the interior areas, as such, farmers can cultivate and increase their export; you from the coast can be able to transport your produce also to other country and regions.”
Ramotar said Guyana has made significant progress under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C) administration and Guyanese are enjoying the freedom that was previously snatched away from them.
“Guyana was once a heavily indebted nation; however, on October 5, 1992, the PPP managed to take over the country and from since then to now, many developments and transformation have taken place.”
Ramotar, addressing the mammoth gathering, said the government has many plans to improve the standard of living of every Guyanese. He used the opportunity to congratulate the Essequibo Nite Committee for organising the event, which has brought Essequibians together.
Meanwhile, Minister within the Agriculture Ministry Alli Baksh, in his address, said that the event is dedicated to farmers. “Farmers have a great future, exhibitions of this nature give them a better opportunity to showcase as well as interact with the public.”
Baksh said he is pleased with the level of participation and the special interest that has been shown by the some 120 exhibitors.
Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud, who also addressed the gathering, said Essequibo Nite is the vision of the late  President and Father of the Nation Dr Cheddi Jagan and former Agriculture Minister Satyadeo Shaw, who advocated for farmers to “grow more food”, not only for themselves, but for export.
He also joined with Minister Baksh in encouraging farmers to use the event to meet, network and negotiate as well as showcase their skills, talents and creative works.
Meanwhile, many businessmen and private-owned companies took the opportunity to launch several new products. Two such local entrepreneurs were Iris Sookhram, a craft maker and Netram Ramanand from The Original Juice Centre at Charity, Essequibo Coast.
Sookhram showcased her new line of craft items, while Ramanand launched his new cherry wine. One farmer from the Pomeroon, Vilma Da Silva, also brought Essequibians her bottled coconut water. Nazmul Hack of the Golden Fleece Rice Investment also used the night to sensitise the public about his new parboiled rice product “Sharagold”.
The Agriculture Ministry’s booth attracted a huge crowd and officials provided advice to farmers. The gathering was entertained by the Caribbean Hot Shot Band from Georgetown and performing artistes from Essequibo, who thrilled the crowd with dances and songs.
Some of the companies/ agencies that took part in the exhibition were the Region Two Department of Education, the Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GT& T), Digicel, the Health Ministry, the Guyana Trinidad Mutual Insurance Company, Barama Group of Companies, the Agriculture Ministry, GuySuCo, Banks DIH, Bank of Guyana, the Essequibo Technical Institute and Big Bird and Sons.