President Bharrat Jagdeo spent the earlier part of his Easter holiday in the Rupununi, engaging in important discussions with Region Nine Toshaos on the challenges and solutions to the prevailing El Niño phenomenon which has wreaked havoc in several communities.
Accompanied by Minister of Public Service Dr. Jennifer Westford, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, and representatives of the Guyana Water Incorporated, the President told the Toshaos gathered at the St. Ignatius benab that Government is fully aware of the hardships they are facing, particularly access to potable water and the sustainability of crops.
Earlier this year, Government intervened with a $258M fund which brought emergency relief to farmers in the form of fertilizers and the transportation of tanks with water and food to some of the communities most affected.
The President believes, however, that the task at hand is much greater, noting that the worse case scenario would be hardship in securing food However, “We have the resources at the State level to ensure that this does not happen.”
With much uncertainty of when the next major rainfall is expected, and the possibility of the long dry spell continuing into April, the President said, “We clearly need, at this point in time, to get people over this difficult period and then once the rains come, get them some help so that they can start growing food again.”

During the discussions, the Toshaos were given the chance to explain the challenges they face as a result of El Niño and suggest the best possible solutions. Many spoke of the challenge with water which in some instances is at such a low level that it is affecting the gravity system.
Schools and health facilities are the institutions which the Toshaos said are in the greatest need of this resource. They also said that livestock is in jeopardy.
Other villages without an installed water system are considered the most vulnerable since they depend on water from the river and creeks, according to some of the Toshaos living in these communities.
Many also complained about the impact of El Niño on their crops, particularly the main staple, cassava, which they said is showing drought-like symptoms. One Toshao from Teperu indicated that they are in need of insecticides because of pests.
Government’s interventions in El Niño relief to date total over $300M and are likely to increase, according to the President. (GINA)