FOUR communities in the Matarkai sub-district, Region One are now able to expand their agriculture production and beautification project with the distribution of tractors, trailers, ploughs, and harrows.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal handed over the vehicles and equipment to the chairpersons of the Community Development Councils of One Mile, Citrus Grove, Mainab, and Tassiwini at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) in Port Kaituma.

The small ceremony was held at the RDC office in Port Kaituma on Tuesday.
During the simple ceremony, the Prime Minister underlined the Government’s commitment to supporting the growth and development of every Guyanese in all communities across the country.

“As a Government, we made a promise to the people throughout Guyana as to where ever you are located we are bringing development to you. We are committed to delivering on these programmes. Wherever the people are located, we will deliver the programmes; that’s a promise the PPP/C Government made last election, and I’m happy to be here to deliver on that promise.”
The Prime Minister also recommended the villages manage their resources and equipment sustainably and responsibly for the benefit of their communities.

PM Phillips also stressed that the government’s strategic focus is the protection of the environment, food, and energy security.
He said the administration will work with farmers to cultivate their produce on a large scale to be shipped to Georgetown as well as the wider Caribbean region.
“With regards to food security, the Ministry of Agriculture will be coming with their extension officers to visit every community to ensure that you get back into agriculture in a big way.”

“Region One is a primary agriculture region…Everybody must benefit from the prosperity that we’re talking about in Guyana, where we are utilising the revenue from oil and gas to diversify the economy of Guyana,” PM Phillips stressed.
Meanwhile, Minister Croal underlined the importance of developing agriculture in communities, as part of the administration’s food security agenda.

He stressed the importance of setting aside resources to ensure continuous maintenance of the equipment.
“For the communities that are going to be receiving these expensive equipment, it is expected that you put a management system in place so that they can be operationalised, as well as have a structured management when they will be utilised,” Minister Croal stated.

The government has delivered over 200 tractors across hinterland villages to date.