MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, Wednesday cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Friendship Swine Development Project at Garden of Eden, on the East Bank Demerara.According to CARILED Country Coordinator, Dhanraj Singh, the project has four components, namely the construction of the facility; training; start-up assistance for farmers; and assistance from both local and Canadian experts who will be aiding with the maintenance.

The project, which was established at a cost of US$42,000, saw consultations commencing 13 months ago. Singh noted that after meeting with the farmers, it was realised that the area is well positioned for livestock development, and it could mould swine development.

The country coordinator also pointed out that Guyana once exported pork and beef and still has the potential to do so. It was on this basis the project was conceptualised.
The project is a Public Private, Partnership (PPP), and will see community members benefiting from 15% of the new born stock for approximately three years.
Also the waste from the pen will be used in a bio-digester to create energy while its nutrients will be used to make duck weed to feed the pigs. This will result in low production cost.
Singh noted that these communities have a lot of potential and the project was completed in a timely manner.
Meanwhile, Minister Whittaker in his remarks pointed out that the country depends a lot on its agriculture sector, not only for putting food on the table, but also to provide job opportunities, creating revenue for the country and income for citizens.
He pointed out that this is the kind of investment that government wants to see, as they have been continuously speaking of diversifying and investing in varying types of agriculture.  He also lauded the private partners (farmers) for their confidence in themselves and the government.
He added that development takes place with its people adding that citizens cannot depend on government solely that is why such partnerships are important.
He said he was very happy and challenged the farmers to ensure that the project doesn’t fail.
Parsaram Persaud, beneficiary of the project said that he was very happy to be a part of the initiative.  He also pointed out the facility has a capacity to house approximately 240 pigs.
Also present at the ceremony was Local Government Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary Abena Moore, Region 4 Chairman, Clement Corlette; and Chairman of Caledonia/Good Success Neighbourhood Council, Dwarka Nauth.
In May 2012, the Ministry implemented the CARILED programme, which is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, with in-kind contributions, from Caribbean and Commonwealth countries.
The six-year programme, targets the development of business-friendly environments in which micro-small and medium-sized enterprises can prosper.
Other projects that have been successfully completed under this initiative include the Tapakuma Women’s Project, the Canal Polders Green Initiative and the Mara Agricultural Enhancement Project.
Also under this programme, 29 Local Government personnel were trained in Local Economic Development, while 61 participants benefited from local exchange of knowledge and local economic development practices, as well as two studies, which were completed in identifying improvement on women in business and access to micro financing.
Further, 50 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils across Regions 2, 3, 4 and 6 received training and completed funding packages, with the necessary tools and materials for increased access to finance, while 34 Local Government personnel, from these regions benefited from training in basic internet application, by means of electronic communication, in order to locate and source funding for CARILED. (GINA)