MINISTER within the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Alli Baksh, has assured Essequibians that the PPP/C Government has massive development in place for the next five years, and development will continue. Minister Baksh, speaking at the 45th Republic Anniversary flag-raising ceremony at Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast, said a railway service between Guyana and Brazil is one of the proposed projects in the pipeline that will add to the country’s development. The minister said the two countries are already linked by a massive bridge and road network.

Minister Baksh said the country has developed significantly since Guyana attained republican status through collective effort and not by individual effort. He said all Guyanese have a right to celebrate their country’s republic anniversary and said teachers must be recognised because of the important role they are playing in moulding the nation. The minister said that farmers must also be recognised for their contribution to development and for adding to the country’s GDP every year. He said they are the ones who put food on the table every day for Guyanese and singled out rice, sugar and cash crop farmers along with poultry and livestock farmers as hard-working people that have added to Guyana’s development over the past 45 years.
The minister said the fishing industry has also contributed significantly to Guyana’s development since it gained republican status and said fishermen who are hard- working and face the high seas to get fish for the nation must be recognised for their work and for contributing to the country’s development. He said the para-military also deserves recognition for its contribution towards protecting and securing the country and its borders and for ensuring that there is peace since Guyana became a republic 45 years ago.
Minister Baksh said all Guyanese workers including nurses, doctors, public servants, T&HD workers and the private sector must be recognised for their contribution to national development. He said the private sector which is the engine of growth must be commended for making a massive contribution towards the development of the country during the 45 years of being a republic.
REGION 2, POMEROON-SUPENAAM

Minister Baksh, who served as regional chairman for Region 2 for some 19 years, said the PPP/C Government has transformed the region over the past 22 years. He said there is development in every area, and that the Government has pledged to continue development for the next five years. According to the minister, some $220M was approved by Cabinet for the setting up of a rice crisp factory to add value to rice, which is produced in abundance on the Essequibo Coast, and added that jobs will be created for young people. Further, he said a call centre will also be set up on the coast and hundreds of jobs will be created for Essequibians.

MARRIOTT HOTEL
Speaking about the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, Minister Baksh said it is important because of the growing tourism sector in the country. He said because the country is developing, more tourists are visiting.
Minister Baksh, who brought greetings from his Excellency, President Donald Ramotar and his cabinet, told Essequibians that Guyana has many things to celebrate as a republic.
The minister also inspected the guard of honour on his arrival at the Anna Regina Fire Station tarmac for the flag-raising ceremony. He was accompanied by Vice-Chairman, Mr. Vishnu Samaroo and Regional Chairman, Mr. Parmanand Persaud.
The programme featured dances performed by the Mainstay group and Ms. Pooja of Walton Hall. Prayers were also said by representatives of the three main religions. (Rajendra Prabhulall)