Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud yesterday received a courtesy call from the winner of the Miss Buxton African Talented Teen pageant, Latoya Wright, at his Vlissengen Road office in the city. The pageant was staged in commemoration of the 170th anniversary of the village’s founding. Minister Persaud said that his Ministry is happy to be associated with the cultural activity, since it also fits into the Ministry’s programme to revitalise farming activities in the area.
He noted such cultural activities could get young people actively involved and to make a positive contribution to the community, and further act as a stimulant for the increase agricultural production in the area. This was given a boost in 2008 through a farmers’ assistance programme.
“I hope that this young lady will take the message of agriculture to the young people too. We expect that she will use her status to underline the importance of agriculture, while at the same time expanding our rich heritage.”
Minister Persaud indicated that the initiative adds to many positive developments in the community, and he encouraged Buxtonians to be inspired by their ancestors who were actively involved in the fight to bring an end to slavery.
“Like Cuffy and the many others who fought for betterment, I encourage you to continue the ongoing struggle for a better Guyana,” he said.
To ensure that farming areas remain viable, government has been focusing on drainage and irrigation enhancement to encourage farmers to return to the farmlands. This has since seen the excavation of drains and canals, repairs to sluices, kokers and intake structures, upgrading of access dams, desilting of outfall channels and re-cultivation of structures that were closed.
According to the Agriculture Minister, in some areas there have been farmers returning to their lands already.
“We can do the infrastructural works such as the land clearing exercise; but we need the young people and the farmers to put lands that we have cleared and developed under cultivation.”
The Ministry has been involved in land-clearing projects in Buxton/Friendship communities, enabling farmers to return to lands which have been abandoned for years.
Coordinator of the pageant, Robin Phillips, who accompanied Miss Buxton to the Minister’s office, thanked him for his support of the activity and for support through the further development of the area.
The queen, who was sponsored by the Ministry, received a bouquet of fresh flowers, a hamper and monetary contribution from the Minister, while hampers were made available for the other delegates. (GINA)
Buxton pageant winner encouraged to further contribute to community
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