ACCORDING to Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud “There seems to be a stand-off and there has been no changes in either side’s position.” The fact still remains the fungus claimed to be found by Colombia can exist under our temperature. To date there has been no update on the independent analysis of the 1,000 tonnes of paddy that was shipped to Colombia from Guyana that allegedly was found to be contaminated with an identified exotic disease.

The CARICOM standard was formulated in an effort to improve the quality of rice and paddy being produced and sold on the local and overseas markets in 1999. It is expected that this standard would be utilised by farmers, millers, exporters and other related personnel, thereby promoting standardisation for this particular commodity.

This standard prescribes the requirements for grades of paddy. Rice and paddy shall be safe and suitable for human consumption. It shall be free from abnormal odours, living or dead insects, insect fragments and mites. Organic and inorganic components such as seeds, husk, straws, stones, sand, dust etc these can all contribute to contaminated disease.

However, I would suggest to the Minister of Agriculture that Mr. Brian Greendige acting (PS) of his Ministry be on the investigative team. He is more experience and qualified in quality control of grains. This 1,000 tonnes of paddy would result in the loss of export earnings and the country cannot afford such a loss at this time.
MOHAMED KHAN