GOVERNMENT is considering the establishment of an agriculture research station in the Rupununi, a move which Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock told residents on Saturday will provide major benefits for farmers there.

While addressing residents at the annual Rupununi Rodeo on Saturday, Allicock said the station, which is being considered in consultation with the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), will allow for the transfer of technology in the region and enable farmers to cultivate, produce and market their products.

He lauded the determination of the people of the region and said one of the major projects planned for the region is the construction of a new road network.

He said work on this project is in progress, as he noted that the town of Lethem is quickly being established as the gateway to South America.

As regards the rodeo, the minister told the gathering which included Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Regional Chairman Brian Allicock and Mayor Kerry Jarvis that the event occurs at a time which speaks of faith, the resurrection of Christ and eternal life.

He told the gathering that Easter is a time that tells a story that in order for one to succeed, there is need to “roll away the stone that keeps us locked in”.

He said that once this is done, then everyone can use the opportunity to rise above challenges and utilise vigour and strength to realise the full extent of their dreams and goals and to attain self-actualisation.

He said that as Easter is celebrated and rodeo in particular, persons must reflect on achievements and shortcomings as a region.

President David Granger often reminds Guyanese that Region Nine is bigger than Costa Rica.

“We need to search our minds individually; we need to have discussions, an opportunity to talk to those who have made the Rupununi their home and those who are interested in doing business in the region,” he said.

Allicock also said that development can only happen by discussion and planning and according to him, “we have to know exactly what we need”.

He said Region Nine’s obstacle “is being rolled away”, adding that the burdensome “doom- and-gloom situation” is being erased.

Regional Chairman Brian Allicock said the rodeo continues to grow annually with the quality of performances on show.

The rodeo continues through the weekend until Easter Monday. Persons at the event were entertained during an afternoon of excitement as the key events, such as the wild bull riding, horse racing and wild cow milking, among other exciting events were on show.

Meanwhile, in the pageant, Shenelle Thomas was crowned Misa Takutu Hotel Rodeo Queen 2018, on Good Friday evening.

Thomas, who represented Sand Creek Village, was sponsored by the Silver D Ranch.

The pageant was held at the Takutu Hotel and attracted a large gathering.