Crabwood Creek residents were reminded that the Coalition Government has saved 10,000 jobs despite the closure of sugar estates in Region 6.

The issue was raised at a fan out exercise to the community. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, who was at Crabwood Creek, was part of a larger government delegation that travelled to the region for the weekly Cabinet meeting and a Ministerial outreach at the University of Guyana, Tain Campus.

The loss of jobs and the difficulty to find same following the sugar estates closure was one of the topical issues raised by the Crabwood Creek residents. However, Minister Bulkan pointed out that it would have been irresponsible for the administration to keep open estates that were operating at a deficit. He said the government provided over $36Billion in subsidies for the sugar industry and it could not afford to continue to pumping money into a failing industry. Nevertheless, the minister said that in the process of closing the estates, 10,000 jobs were saved.

He reminded that the government has invested heavily in drainage and irrigation to assist Region 6 famers who are now able to utilise the lands for job creation and provide for their families. Additionally, he said that the production of oil and gas, in the near future, will allow the government to do a lot more for its people and will also create thousands of jobs for Guyanese.

At the end of the community meeting, Minister Bulkan distributed several kites to the children of the community and presented a number of sport gear which included cricket bats and balls, pads, and footballs among others. Two brush cutters, several bins and garbage bags were also given to the Crabwood Creek Community Ground and Primary School. (DPI)