Agriculture Minster Robert Persaud has committed $150,000 towards the upgrading of Jeep Landing, Berbice River. Kwakwani’s loggers are of the view that this will be the best possible solution to end their plight of not being able to off-load logs at the landing.

Minister Persaud, interacting with Kwakwani residents, noted that over the last three weeks, there was a noticeable end to significant forestry operations as a result of overflowing of the river and it has prompted the need for a temporary solution.
In attendance at the meeting were  Assistant Commissioner of Forest, Gavin Agard; Chairperson of the Upper Berbice Forest and Agriculture Producers Association, Charles Tom; Personnel Manager for RUSAL, Leroy Saul; Health, Safety and Environment Manger for RUSAL, Dennis Lelonde; and officials of the Ministry.
It was noted Kwakwani is perennially threatened by the rising river which affects housing and agriculture, and cuts off and limits access to heavy and large vehicles. This occurrence affects the community’s two major economic activities; logging and farming.

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud interacts with a resident of Kwakwani

“The primary concern to me is the disruption of forestry operations and the loss of income and the socioeconomic difficulties that this situation can create. We recognize, too, that the situation will not abate in a week or two, but it’s one that will perhaps last for two months,” Minister Persaud said.
Tom, who was one of the key players in deriving the solution to the community’s plight, indicated that he is pleased with the Ministry’s intervention and is positive that upgrading the landing using white sand will be successful.