In Region Nine…
MINISTER with the portfolio, Mr. Robert Persaud, has exhorted stakeholders, particularly in the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), to make trade in agriculture work, by changing their outlook.
He spoke to them last Thursday in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), where he acknowledged that there are challenges and gave them the assurance of technical and other support from the Administration.
Those at the meeting had raised concerns about access, the state of the roads and  the cost of moving products; the need for more information, for example, not many in the business community were aware that, through the Agriculture Ministry, they could apply for duty free concessions to purchase vehicles like single cab pickups and the smuggling of illegal agricultural imports or importing without the necessary certification.
The complainants said the last is a major issue because products which could be produced in Lethem are imported from Brazil and affecting the local market.
Persaud recognised that local producers are being “killed off” but said the community should not patronise activities which support illegal importers.
He promised that a “clean-up” will take place and pointed out that any vegetable that requires phytosanitary certification to enter Guyana there are Government regulations that restrict or prohibit the importation and marketing of certain plant species, or products of those plants, so as to prevent the introduction or spread of pests or pathogens that such plants may be carrying.
Persaud expressed disappointment at what he described as a “free for all system” through which Guyana “is getting the short end of the stick.”
He said agricultural products from Brazil are allowed into this country far too easily and Guyana, in turn, has much difficulty accessing Brazilian markets.
“It is slackness on our part…we need to be tougher,” Persaud declared.
He said the real issue is not whether products are Brazilian of Guyanese but about the origin, as the bottom line is ensuring that Guyana’s agriculture operations are not compromised.
Persaud maintained that consumers have to be tough and the RCCI needs to step up its efforts to ensure that there is adherence to the regulations.
“We do not want a lawless state,” he intoned.

Smuggling

Persaud also addressed the issue of smuggling of animals between Guyana and Brazil and announced that stricter systems will be put in place, not to seize Brazilian animals, but to make sure there is no consequence to animal health.
However, he said undesirable animals will be seized and slaughtered or given back to the Brazilians at a cost.
In that way, attaching a cost to recovery of animals, the Brazilians will be more careful with their livestock, Persaud posited.
Stakeholders had lamented that, when animals from Lethem stray over the Brazilian border, they do not return and the Minister suggested greater vigilance locally.
He said any rancher involved in violating the laws of this nation will have his lease reviewed and admonished the Regional Veterinary Officer to be more strict in monitoring to prevent animal health in Guyana being compromised.
Persaud said regional officials and the business community, as well as other stakeholders need to work together, with a new outlook, in an effort to advance agriculture operations in Region Nine.
He suggested that clusters could be an option for traders who know what are the needs of their community and can initiative investment proposals which Government would support.
Members of the Lethem business community affirmed that, with the requisite support, they are willing to move forward to expand their agriculture based operations, which include aquaculture and cash crop farming.