– removal of farmers within six-mile radius discussed
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, who is performing the duties of Prime Minister, Chief Executive Officer of CJIA Ramesh Ghir and other officials Friday engaged livestock and cash crop farmers in a meeting at the Timehri Prison Officers Club, to simultaneously deal with the removal of occupants, primarily livestock farmers, from the six-mile radius around the airport and to determine alternative placement for them.

Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud (second from right) listens to comments from farmers.

With livestock attracting birds in the vicinity and posing dangers to passengers and aircraft, Minister Persaud rationalised the removal strategy by referring to the 2009 incident when a US Airways plane, with 155 people on board, ditched into the Hudson River. Investigations showed that one of the possible causes of this occurrence may have been that a bird was struck while the plane was in the air.

The Minister noted that it will be in the national interest that the practice of such farming types cease in that location. He explained that this new development is in keeping with rules and regulations of international flight agencies that have the authority to impede air travel to Guyana, an act that will ultimately hurt the national economy.

The Minister noted that removal from the specified surrounding radius of the airport is the only option.

Government, being cognisant of farmers’ needs, is willing to assist in finding alternative locations.

Farmers present at the meeting expressed gratitude for this commitment.

However, some of them indicated that moving will be costly and the Minister expressed that the Ministry can contribute to the relocation of farming materials.

Farmers who are squatting and are desirous of attaining land legally will be assisted by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.

Relocation will not be a set-back to the farmers, since the Government is looking to open up large farming areas. Areas including Dora and Greenfield Farm will be part of the farming corridor envisaged by the Administration.

Ghir expressed similar sentiments with respect to the safety and security of passengers and aircraft being compromised with the presence of birds in the airspace. He also noted that farmers and vendors encumbering the airport’s reserves are in danger in the event of an accident. In addition, they are hampering the further development of the airport.