The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) has raised its buffer stock level from 170 to 200 units.

This follows an increased demand, and though the stock is not now in serious straits, there is need for donors to continue supporting the bank.

So says NBTS Coordinator Ms. Shameeza Mangal, who added that the continued support will allow the bank to be in a “comfortable position” in the event of any emergencies.

Mangal pointed out that as of Monday, 86 units were tested and distributed to the various health facilities that requested blood.

She stated too that yesterday the walk in donors to NBTS numbered 25, indicative of persons responding to the call for support.

Donors are mostly using their weekends to donate blood.

She explained that voluntary givers are welcome at all six sites nationwide, including:

* NBTS headquarters in Georgetown;

* New Amsterdam Hospital;

* Suddie Hospital;

* Linden Hospital; and

* West Demerara Regional Hospital.

Mangal also called for other Guyanese to follow suit and contribute to a life saving imitative.
Emphasis on the agri-business linkages between Guyana and Brazil, Persaud said, will be a sub-theme of the festival.

Persaud had recently visited that country to strengthen relations in this regard, and said now that the Takutu Bridge has been completed, Government is eying the Brazilian market.

The minister is hoping that many agri-business objectives will be met through the festival which will feature a rich cultural component for patrons and stakeholders, particularly farmers in recognition of their hard work and dedicated service to the nation.

He announced too that as part of the Agriculture Month activities, the Ministry has decided to launch a farmers’ competition and the winners’ will be awarded at the cultural and business extravaganza.

“We are looking at prizes that will go up to about $300,000M. These prizes will be related to the agriculture sector, so people will not win a motor car, but probably some agriculture machinery, or inputs,” Persaud stressed.

He urged all to participate and said for persons not involved in agriculture, the event will be a gateway to learn more about the sector.

The festival also aims at changing the negative perception that agriculture is laborious and is not for the educated by showcasing the vast and wide array of career and business opportunities available in the sector.

Tickets for the event cost $500 for adults, $300 for children and school children in uniform accompanied by their teachers will be admitted free at the official opening.

Representatives from GMC and the private sector were also present at yesterday’s launch which was hosted in collaboration with the private sector.