Dear Editor,
I WANT to compliment the government on making a real impact at the grassroot level in Region One. The recent commissioning of the Turmeric factory at Hosororo Hill, Mabaruma in Barima-Waini will provide immediate economic empowerment to the region through job opportunities among other benefits by empowering the people and creating jobs in these communities.

More than 50 farmers from turmeric- producing communities of Region One, namely Arukamai, Barima River, Aruka River, Hotoquai, Port Kaituma, Morawhanna, Hobodia, Yarakita, Aruau, Koberimo, St. Anslym, Kachi Kamo, Black Water, Kamwatta, Wauna and White Water have benefited from planting materials, technical advice and training through the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI)
The farmers are now assured of a ready market at the turmeric-processing factory which can process one ton every three days in terms of processing and drying. Through this factory, fresh turmeric will also readily be available for export to neighbouring districts and regions, thus creating more markets.
The turmeric factory is just one of the many projects being rolled out in Barima-Waini (Region One), towards sustained economic progress and empowerment in these communities. Another project is the Buses, Boats, Bicycles plus Breakfast and Books (Five Bs) programme in keeping with the national ‘Every Child in School’ policy.
The Five Bs programme which aims to improve access, attendance and achievement for students in the hinterland and across Guyana must be commended since it takes the financial burden off the parents and creates immediate employment for drivers, mechanics, wash bay services among other social benefits, such as children no longer dropping out of school, but will be supported by the government to ensure that the communities are educated.

The rehabilitated Lady Northcote ferry which transports passengers and cargo to the North West District (Barima- Waini) have adopted a new level of reliability in the transportation of North West District (NWD) passengers and their cargo to Mabaruma and Port Kaituma, A new ferry has also been procured.
The economic prospects of the turmeric factory, the Five Bs programme, the reliable ferry service, a new standby generator (a new one has been procured), improved and new potable water supply, several health facilities received outboard engines and boats from the Ministry of Public Health to assist in transporting patients to referral hospitals within the region, are just some of the many tangible examples of social and economic development at the grassroot level taking place in Region One.
I am excited at the prospect of the large-scale solar farm when it becomes operational, supplying 400-kilowatt of power leading to the electricity grid being operational 24/7 providing power to the 3,000 residents of Mabaruma and surrounding communities .
Sincerely yours
Shauna Williams