FARMERS of Ithaca, Region Five, will soon see a boost in agricultural activity following the establishment of the village’s first Community Development Council (CDC). On Saturday, a brief inauguration ceremony was held at the Ithaca Primary School to officially activate the council. Residents who attended the ceremony nominated and elected Michael Jacque as chairman; Utundy Grant as vice-chairman; Jewel Sinclair as secretary and Adrian Douglas, treasurer. Jermain Benjamin, Nikita Sampson, and Akelia Benjamin were also elected to serve as members of the council.
Jacque in brief remarks during the ceremony assured residents that the council will be working with all categories of farmers in the village.
“This group will be open to all the residents of Ithaca. It will not be restricted to a particular part or group of persons within the community. I will try my best to give it my all so that we can have full development throughout the community. We are willing to work with the government,” Jacque said.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who was also present, told the gathering that the government will be providing the necessary resources available to push agriculture in the community.
“We remain committed to working with you to ensure that your community fits into the government’s overall development drive. I visited Ithaca a few months ago and there was a call for a group to be formed to collaborate with the government, so that this community can once again become a thriving community in the country. I’m here to fulfil that commitment and this is only the beginning of good things to happen for this community,” the minister declared.

Minister Mustapha reiterated that the overall goal of government is to ensure that Guyana becomes an agricultural power house in the Caribbean. He added that with the renewed interest in the agricultural sector, the government will be working to ensure that all of the agriculture groups have the necessary resources to boost production in the various communities.
Minister Mustapha said the various agencies under his ministry will be working with the newly formed council.
“Agencies like NAREI and the GLDA will be working with you to develop your production and livestock. NAREI will be working to ensure you develop your crops and grow new and more high- value crops.”