The Amerindian community of Mashabo was full of bright smiles as they received black giant chickens, fingerlings, agricultural equipment, and seedlings on Friday. The distribution was in accordance with His Excellency President Irfaan Ali’s commitment to the community made a month ago.

Delivering the promise on Friday, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, said that the community will now be able to be more self-sufficient. Over 150 households in the community benefitted.

Minister Mustapha stated during his visit to Mashabo Mission that the Guyana government was distributing resources equally throughout the country. The black giant chickens’ distribution, according to him, will contribute to their livelihood’s improvement. In addition, the community Toshao, Afeerah Shabeer, received three tillers and a boat with an engine to boost the security in the area.

Two batches of fingerlings were released in the fish cage at Mashabo by Minister Zulfikar and Toshao Shabeer.

“When we make promises we, as a government, deliver the same. The Mashabo community will undergo massive transformational development,” Minister Mustapha said.

He said that the community will not only enhance in infrastructure but there will be several economic projects ongoing.

The Ministry of Agriculture will keep collaborating with the community to better people’s living standards, according to the minister. He conveyed that the Government has pledged to ensure development is evenly distributed throughout the country, including the Mashabo community.

PINEAPPLE CULTIVATION

Minister Zulfikar said that land clearing will commence in the area for the cultivation of pineapples. He said that was another promise made by His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, to the community. With the clearing of the 10-acre plot farmers in the area will be involved in the project. When the community starts to reap pineapples then officers from the New GMC will assist with marketing.

The minister also told the community that NARIE will be working with them on a red bean project. He said that Guyana will become a central place for food production. A hub will be created that will store different fruits and food for the Caribbean to export. He said that Mashabo can be able to contribute pineapples to the food hub.

Toshao of the community, Afeerah Shabeer, said that it was a “blessed and happy” day for the community. She said that all the promises made by His Excellency became fruitful. Shabeer said that residents will be involved in more economic activities and can better provide for their families. She therefore showered praises on President Irfaan Ali for keeping his promises.

Meanwhile one of the beneficiaries, Viola Christian, said she was overjoyed. She received 25 chickens. She said that feed was also provided to her. She said that now she is actively involved in the chicken project.

Another young resident, Vaneita Wilson, said that she was home and was not getting a job and she was happy for the chickens. She said she would take good care of the chickens and thanked the Government of Guyana.