A NEW Board of Directors of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has been appointed to guide the agency over the coming year so as to enhance the sector. 

This was disclosed on Monday by Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Noel Holder, while addressing the opening of the first National Rice Industry Conference at the Arthur Chung International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

As per statute, the Board is comprises farmer and miller representatives, a consumer representative, as well as representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs (Foreign Trade), Finance and Agriculture and a representative from the legal fraternity. The General Manager will be an Ex-officio member of the board.
“In keeping with my remit, I am also pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Claude Housty, former General Manager of the Guyana Rice Export Board as its Chairman,” Minister Noel advised.
Guyana has been exporting rice consistently for over 100 years.
Pledging the Government’s support to the industry, Minster Holder told the packed-to-capacity Conference Centre that the Government will continue to make investments that are necessary and fully support the agricultural sector.
“We will not stop here. Together, we will ensure that more markets are tapped in to, with a view to Guyana’s rice being available worldwide. I implore all millers and exporters to let us collate our efforts and to partner with the Government to ensure that we focus on finding and sustaining markets. Together we can achieve this — and indeed it’s a long road ahead, but some good work is already under way,” he told the conference.
The conference which is one of the promises made by the APNU+AFC was attended by President David Granger who delivered the feature address. Also in attendance were Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and other Government officials.

The activity was the first consultation with paddy farmers, millers and exporters who came from all the rice producing communities and regions in Guyana. It was held under the theme, “sustainable development amidst challenges”. (GINA)