THE first greenhouse nursery in Region Six (East Berbice /Corentyne) was officially opened recently at the Mibicuri Community Centre in Black Bush Polder. The establishment of a greenhouse is just one component of a larger project — REACH — a community-based initiative implemented by the St. Francis Community Developers (SFCD), and funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its Enhanced Public Trust, Security and Inclusion EPTSI)project.
President of the SFCD, Mr. Alex Foster said the project was realised after hard work and overcoming many obstacles, including inclement weather conditions.
Revealing the greenhouse’s capability of producing 20,000 seedlings every eight weeks, Foster said: “This is only the beginning of a greater project, as three more greenhouses are to be implemented in the region.”  “We will move this region to greater heights,” he added.
In addition, he indicated that the SFCDs are willing to work with the Ministry of Agriculture to tackle the export market through the exportation of their surplus crops.
Addressing the gathering of participants, farmers and residents at the opening, Project Coordinator, Ms. Jacqueline Johnson pointed out that, since Black Bush Polder is an agriculture based area they are seeking the opportunity to diversify the present practices in a modernised manner, while developing the livelihood of the residents.
She revealed that the greenhouse is presently in the production stage and capable of producing over 4,500 crops of various kinds, including sweet peppers and tomatoes.
“We have already received a few orders from farmers,” she said.
UNDP Resident Representative, Dr. Kiari Liman Tinguri lauded the initiative as being an “innovative” one.
Echoing Dr.Tinguri’s sentiments, EPTSI Project Manager, Mr. Trevor Clark attested to the “amazing evolution” of the project.
“The community must be commended for their dedication,” adding, he declared. “It is fantastic to have the young people, especially females, involved in a non traditional role,” he said.
“Guyana has a golden future as young people are being engaged in this field,” Deputy British High Commissioner, Mr. Michael Kearrey commented.
Applauding the efforts of the older generation in rendering their support to the younger participants of the greenhouse initiative, Kearrey said: “I see a future and I am pleased to see the British government supporting this venture.”
Representative of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Mr. Anand Harrilall referred to the greenhouse initiative as an “excellent” project with the potential to “stabilise the food supply of the region.”
Said he: “It is a field that has been unlocked and has a lot of potential.”
Alluding to the benefits to be gained from such a project, resident farmer, Mr. Sohan Benjamin said: “I know it will go a long way towards enhancing farming in the area. We will be able to produce more yields using less space.” He also encouraged other farmers to get involved in the project.
Twenty young residents of the Community participated in a three- month training programme in greenhouse procedures, and were assisted by experienced farmers throughout the process.
One trainee, Ameer Rahim, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the project, which “captured my interest in agriculture.” Said he: “We received a wealth of information that left us with a better out look on agriculture.”
Among those gathered at Black Bush Polder for the momentous occasion were the representatives from various donor agencies, including UNDP Resident Representative, Dr. Kiari Liman Tinguri; Deputy British High Commissioner, Mr. Michael Kearrey;, Representative form EPTSI, Mr. Trevor Clark,  representative from the European Union Commission, Mr. Christopher Ingelbrecht,  Developmental Officer at the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Mr.Anand Harrilall and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) representative, Dr. Pirro Tomaso.