PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar, after recently visiting several communities in Region Nine, said it is clear that this the largest administrative region has great prospects in agriculture. “It has huge agricultural potential; it has huge possibility for agro-industrial development, and a big possibility within agriculture itself and in the livestock area,” the President said on his return to the city. After visiting a cattle ranch in Meriwau, President Ramotar said that it is a clear indication that people are becoming more aware of the needs and opportunities in Region Nine, which spans the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo.

Meriwau in July 2009 received a Presidential grant from the government for cattle rearing, and another from the President’s Youth Choice Initiative, which was also used to purchase cattle.
While livestock initiatives seek to develop the economies of the villages, the President said the Meriwau ranch has far more potential, if the resources are utilised and marketed properly.
The ranch has been aiding the development of the community, through the provision of beef, at a subsidsed cost, to the region’s Schools’ Hot Meal Programme.
The Meriwau cattle ranch, he said, could also support a vibrant craft and leather operation, once the necessary infrastructure is in place.
Recently, the President said, he visited another community in the Rupununi, which has a small restaurant, and this speaks to services that are being developed in remote communities.
This, the Head of State said, shows very clearly that the services there are developing well, and there is also the growing need for stocks to meet the constant demand, as well as for other services.
“Moreover,” he said, “the cattle industry itself has possibility of not only producing beef, but leather and other things that can be targeted for producing handicraft, so there is huge possibility for development within this area.”
The President said his administration remains committed to providing the necessary infrastructure, which will aid in bridging the development gap between the coastland and hinterland.
However, while noting that there is much more to be done in the region, the Head of State observed that Lethem, which is the main centre in the Rupununi, has drastically improved. “Lethem is comparable to many other parts of Guyana, as far as services are concerned, in shopping and different areas.”
Speaking of development in communities in the Rupununi Savannah, the President said that bringing those communities on par with the coastland would take some time. However, in the interim, the administration continues to put key infrastructural measures in place in all sectors.
He noted, it is the policy of the current administration, to enhance the social sector, and by lifting the standard of education in the interior, Guyana is moving in a direction of providing equal opportunities for all people. (GINA)