THE Ministry of Agriculture, in a collaborative effort with the Guyana Forestry Commission, hosted a reception last Wednesday in honour of Mr. Sydney Allicock for being awarded the prestigious Anthony N. Sabga Caribbean Award for Excellence 2010 for his Public and Civil contributions.
In January, Allicock was selected as a recipient for the award for his continued commitment towards sustainable community development aimed at improving the livelihood of the hinterland residents.
He has also proven his dedication as a member of the Multi-Stakeholder Steering Committee of the Guyana Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). A major component of this strategy is focused on the positive transformation of Indigenous communities.
He has brought firsthand knowledge through his experiences living in the hinterland and to ably represent the LCDS at numerous consultations across Guyana.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who is performing the duties of President, while delivering remarks at the function held at Herdmanston House, said he was pleased to have the opportunity on behalf of the Guyana Government to extend congratulations and present the plaque to Mr. Allicock.
He said the award further portrays that Guyanese now have a chance to be recognised as contributors in the growth and development of Guyana.
He noted that growth and development are essentials for an economy and lauded Guyanese for their contributions over the years, for taking the country along the path of development.
“We in Guyana look towards agriculture development which is one of the main areas for development in the future and in particular as we look to develop traditional areas. So that is why we are very excited about the possibilities of new areas being developed,” the Prime Minister said.
He noted that Government has been working  assiduously on the development of its programmes and policies, in particular improving the livelihood of hinterland areas through agriculture.“We are working together to build a country where one people, one nation, one destiny is further portrayed,” he said.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said often times the contributions of prominent Guyanese go un-recognised, and noted that the contributions of Allicock and his organisation is a perfect example of collaboration and support by Government, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) and communities.
Allicock heads the North Rupununi Development Board in Region Nine.
While speaking on the issue of consultation on Guyana’s LCDS, Minister Persaud said the event is one example of collaboration.
“It shows that the interests of Amerindian communities’ are addressed. It also shows development in progress, the development Guyana’s leader is working assiduously to highlight,” the minister posited.
He assured that Government is committed to the development of Amerindian communities, “We stand ready to work with groups which are interested in moving development forward in Guyana.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, on behalf of her Ministry, congratulated the awardee. She noted that as an Amerindian leader, he has always stood out.
Following the reception ceremony, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds presented a plaque to the awardee. The Ministers of Agriculture and Amerindian Affairs also presented tokens. (GINA)