SENIOR citizens waiting at the Bourda Post Office to receive their monthly Old Age Pensions, on April 2, came in for a surprise and a pleasant treat, when they were ushered to comfortable seats under tents on the lawns of the Post Office and graciously invited to make their pick from hot porridge made from a variety of tasty breakfast cereals.
The initiative was organised by the Guyana Marketing Corporation, in partnership with the National Milling Company of Guyana Inc. (NAMILCO) Braf’s Manufacturing Co. and South American Cocoa Company.

General Manager of the Guyana Marketing Corporation, Ida Sealy-Adams, who described the initiative as a promotional activity, said that the corporation recognises that flours, porridge mixes, plantain/cassava flours produced by the companies engaged, have taken the market well, and are in ‘great demand’, but with greater demand among the elderly.
Moreover, Marketing Officer, Omalita Balgobin said that seniors would trek all the way to the Guyana Shop on Regent and Alexander Streets on pension days, in search of these same cereals.

As such, ‘Guyana Shop’ through the GMC, extended invitations to the businesses to participate in what the corporation refers to as a “session of tasting and sampling.” But for the seniors, it was more than just tasting and sampling. For many it was a treat well received and an opportunity to register their appreciation for products rated as being among the best, and the packets for sale offered at affordable prices.

Porridge served at NAMILCO’s booth was made from Maid Marian Wheat-Up, a breakfast cereal specially selected from a stream of farinha containing chunks of wheat, endosperm and edible wheat bran, to make for a hot nutritious breakfast cereal; Creamed Wheat-Up – Nutritious, smooth, creamy and a great way to start babies on semi-solid foods, but relished by many senior citizens as well; Wheat Germ – one of the top 10 healthiest foods with a nutty and slightly sweet flavour, it is delicious sprinkled over foods such as cereals, yogurt, salads, soups, vegetables and desserts.

Meanwhile, Braf’s Manufacturing served instant porridge in a variety of flavours; and had for sale plantain flour, barley flour, tamarind balls and an amazing ‘quick relief’ for arthritis pains.

The initiative was promoted by the Guyana Marketing Corporation’s ‘Guyana Shop’ which coordinates and facilitates the development of quality non-traditional agricultural products and their by-products.