PLEASE allow me space in your newspaper to alert the nation about a serious situation created by the recent rains which hit Guyana for a couple of days. I know that a lot of places have been flooded throughout the country and I express my sympathy to those persons whose yards and even homes have been flooded out.

My problem however, is that numerous vegetable crops under cultivation have been flooded out, and would be damaged. This will create a shortage of greens. I know that we went through flood situations before, and it should not be long before the authorities get on top of the matter. Vegetable farmers throughout the country need to be compensated at least for some of the losses they would have suffered because of the rains.

I think the Ministry of Agriculture should send around teams to make assessments of damage to crops caused by the rains.

EDITOR’S NOTE: We have been advised that President Donald Ramotar has dispatched several members of his cabinet, including officials from the Agriculture Ministry, in an effort to obtain first-hand information on flood situations in agricultural and other areas in the country. This effort has been made to advise people, and take immediate measures to clear excess water off the land.