“We have no confidence in the Agriculture Minister” – RPA Action Committee

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) aligned Action Committee of the Rice Producers Association (RPA) declared that Agriculture Minister Noel Holder is currently incapable of handling the tasks under his portfolio, and as such, declared that it has no confidence in his abilities to effectively and efficiently manage the agriculture sector.

During a press conference hosted by the controversial RPA Action Committee at the Georgetown Club on Wednesday, its members; Jinnah Rahman and Turhane Doerga both exclaimed that the Agriculture Minister has proven himself incompetent to deal with the issues in the agricultural sector, particularly in the rice industry. “I have no confidence in the Minister of Agriculture,” declared Rahman.

Labelling the Minister as “de facto”, the members exclaimed that it appears as if the previous Government is still calling the shots within the Agriculture Ministry.

Asked for reasons why the Committee believes the Minister is incapable of performing his duties, Doerga in a startling revelation alleged that Jagnarine Singh, the former Head of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), is still conducting businesses on behalf of the Government.

“Jagnarine has tendered his resignation. It was accepted, yet Mr Jagnarine is signing contracts for the GRDB… what is happening… on July 28, Mr Jagnarine signed a contract in Panama… he is marketing Guyana’s rice for knock-over prices,” Doerga stated; expressing disbelief that the Agriculture Minister is allowing this to happen.

According to reports, Singh had indicated his desire to resign from the Board and Minister of State Joseph Harmon said his resignation was fully welcome. Subsequently, the Ministry advertised for his replacement.

It was also pointed out that the Minister also allowed People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) persons to return on the RPA Board of Directors, and for this reason, the RPA Action Committee declared no confidence in the Minister.

“Those people who are said to be replaced on the manifesto are back on the Board… the Minister should have taken time to find out, of these people, who are real representatives… there should have been a proper election of the RPA… he didn’t do that. He didn’t check anything, he appointed the same PPP/C people on the Board. What is this Minister doing? This Minister is doing nothing,” Doerga said.

He also complained that whenever the Committee tries to make contact with the Minister to discuss issues facing the rice industry, he is almost never available.

Consequently, the Action Committee said it will give the Minister “time” to correct his “mistakes” but in the meantime, they will be raising their concerns with President David Granger regarding Holder’s performance.