PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Saturday, announced that, as part of his government’s economic development programme, a large-scale poultry hatchery and egg production project has been earmarked for Pakuri Village, formerly St. Cuthbert’s Mission.

The Head of State made the announcement during his address at Pakuri’s Village Day celebrations in observance of its 133rd anniversary.

President Ali said that the project would be one of the largest of its kind in the country, and will satisfy the demands of the local market and the local poultry producers. He also made reference to the large consumption of eggs at the regional level and about its constant demand on the market.

“We are talking about the production, annually of more than 30 million eggs to be part of the regional system. All of which is imported today.”

The need for poultry production was evident, according to the President, since prices have continuously increased with a supply that has been restricted due to current global challenges.

According to President Ali, the only way for Guyana to curtail the effects caused by current global events is to become self-sufficient.

“That is the goal. To work with this community in being the leading hatchery and hatching egg producer in our country.”

The President explained that the government will bring together the private sector and the community in the coming week to advance discussions. He stated that once the two sides come to an agreement, the government will embrace the project with the aim of large-scale production within the next 18 months.

“We can be self-sufficient in producing our own hatching eggs.”

TOURISM AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT
In his address, the Head of State also reiterated his government’s commitment to ‘One Guyana’ and its quest to ensure key infrastructure development to facilitate a modern society with a solid tourism product.

He told residents that they have an excellent tourism product, which the government will help to develop. To this end, the Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud and the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai were tasked to examine the main road network in the community.

President Ali said that “we are going to identify some key infrastructure that is necessary for the forward movement of the tourism sector.”

Additionally, the government will also invest in bolstering internet connectivity, education, training, and development to ensure that every child has “the best shot possible at life.”

In this regard, the President stated that the Government of Guyana has signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the potential of providing training in coding at the primary school level and basic software development training at the secondary school level.

“These are the initiatives that will transform the country,” the President stated while adding that investments are critical to ensure that Guyana’s children “get a better shot at life.”

He also alluded to a number of measures that have been implemented that are positively benefitting thousands of learners across the country.

President Ali also took the opportunity to present a quantity of sport gear to Toshao of Pakuri, Timothy Andrews. In addition, $500,000 was handed over for a project of the community’s choosing that will benefit its children.

In honour of the visit, the President was presented with tokens of appreciation.

The Mahaica River indigenous community, of approximately 2,000 people, marked the anniversary celebration with cultural presentations and sport activities. (Modified press release from Office of the President)