– holds annual Emancipation celebrations
GOVERNMENT, in ensuring development is taken to every part of Guyana, has been assisting persons interested in farming to cultivate the Island of Humburg, also known as Tiger Island.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Kellawan Lall and Regional Chairman of Region Two, Ali Baksh, meeting with farmers on Humburg Island. (GINA PHOTO)

On August 3, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Kellawan Lall visited the Island and met with the farmers and revellers and participated in the celebrations and fun day on the Island.

Humburg, as it is today, is a mini tourism spot that has been traditionally used every first Monday in August, by residents of all the surrounding villages and islands to host Emancipation celebrations. The island is privately owned but is nonetheless opened to visitors.

The original inhabitants of the Island were forced to relocate due to the lack of river defence mechanisms; some relocated to the Essequibo Coast with the majority moving to Anna Regina.

Revellers on Humburg Island playing Tassa Drums

Government assisted with the provision of a long broom excavator which was used to plough the land.

Today a total of 220 acres of land is under cultivation for rice, another 90 acres of land is being cultivated by other farmers, and 225 acres are being cultivated with other kinds of crops. It is expected that a further 120 acres of land will be put under cultivation for rice within the next year.

Most of the cash crops produced on Humburg Island are exported to other Caribbean countries and the wider world. According to the farmers, the island has the potential to become a booming tourism spot to showcase the wonders of Guyana.