I was very impressed with the initiative to develop the hinterland communities through the rice sector. The Hinterland Rice and Development Programme, which was developed last December has proven itself effective in creating a sustainable source of generating income for this community, and even for the Amerindians who do not live there.

Government cooperation with the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development, through the Ministry of Agriculture’s Guyana Rice Development Board, saw the launching of the Hinterland Rice and Beans Project last December, which, if adopted in other communities, will effect positive economic changes throughout this country, since rice remains a national and international commodity.

Farmers, their communities, and the country at large will benefit from this initiative. Other communities can model themselves after this initiative to aid their own development. Government should continue to foster development in Guyana through positive initiatives like these. They benefit all parties involved.