THE housing developments, private developments and tourism-based entities of interest were toured yesterday by the Surinamese Trade Delegation currently on a three-day visit to Guyana.

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, explained that the delegation had some doubts about the investments and developments presently occurring in Guyana, and the decision was taken to have them tour a few areas for their enlightenment. “We decided to visit Rossignol Butchery, which is a Suriname investment; Eccles Industrial Estate, Windsor Estates Housing Scheme, Bounty Farm and (have) lunch at Splashmins” he noted.

“If there is so much progress going on in Guyana and it’s visible, why the Opposition and people in Parliament (are) having a problem with the Government?”- Djoemadie Kasanmoesdiran

Suriname’s Acting Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Djoemadie Kasanmoesdiran expressed delight and amazement at developments the country has seen over the years and questioned: “If there is so much progress going on in Guyana and it’s visible, why the Opposition and people in Parliament (are) having a problem with the Government?”

Similar sentiments were expressed by members of the delegation as they lauded the Government on a job well done. Some of the members noted as well that the standard of businesses, in especially the housing sector, is of the highest quality.
The delegation’s first stop was at Rossignol Butchery, where they were told that 70% of the meats being served comes from the local market, and that the Bounty Farm supplies all of Rossignol Butchery’s chicken needs.
The delegation next visited the Eccles Industrial Scheme and the Windsor Estates, where they were educated on the young professional homes, the roads and connecting arms, and the core homes, among other things.

What amazed them was the fact that the Government was constructing the houses and making them available to persons of any status of living. They also noted that the Government’s position of having each individual own their own home is very commendable.

During their visit at Bounty Farm, Bounty Farm’s General Manager, David Fernandes, explained how his day-to-day operation runs. He noted that Bounty Farm employs some 465 persons at the farm, and has a production rate of 150,000 birds per week. “We have 40 farms that would supply the company with chicken, and this production accounts for only 40% of the consumption of the Guyanese people,” Fernandes noted.

Fernandes explained that without help of the Government in terms of being there to defend the company, Bounty’s operations would not

be possible. He noted that “the company is granted duty free concessions on certain items, which is a great help to the company.”

During his closing remarks, he noted that the company must applaud the Government for defending the company and making sure that they continue to be viable.

The delegation had a relaxing lunch at Splashmins Resort, where they experienced the scenic views and lush black waters of that entity (Adrian Narine photo)

(By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)