Story and photos by Indrawattie Natram

BROAD smiles and sighs of relief were evident on the faces of livestock farmers in Region Two last Friday as they received broiler chicks, piglets or black belly sheep to help expand their operations.

The farmers hail from Tapakuma, Lima Sands, Zorg-en-Vlygt and Queenstown.

This publication was told that over 300 broiler chicks were distributed to residents in Tapakuma to assist in the Tapakuma chicken project, while 41 persons received Black Giant chicks in the Lima Sands area and 56 piglets were gifted to Queenstown livestock farmers. Two residents of Zorg-en-Vlygt received Black Belly sheep.

The distribution exercise was held at the Rice Producers Association (RPA) compound and was facilitated by staff of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA). Present at the handing over ceremony were Region Two Vice Chairman, Humace Oodit and Prime Minister’s Representative, Arnold Adams.

Oodit, in his remarks, said that the residents met with the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj and made a number of requests which were immediately addressed to ensure that they could acquire livestock.

He said that it was a fulfilment of the government’s promise to the people of various Region Two communities. He said that it was his desire for people to use the opportunity to expand and to become self-sufficient.

Meanwhile, Adams said the government was committed to helping persons in every community in the region. Adams said the government will continue to work with every Region Two community.

“No community will be left behind, every week we have been visiting, listening to your concerns and we are fulfilling our obligations. We made the promises and here today, we are fulfilling those promises,” Adams said.

Wonda Wong of Queenstown who received a piglet, told this publication that she was overjoyed.

She is hoping to use the animal for breeding purposes.

Wong said that she was very thankful for the ‘gift.’

Another beneficiary, Errol Richards, said that he was thankful to the Ministry of Agriculture for the assistance.

Similar sentiments were expressed by farmers who received broilers and sheep.

Residents of Dartmouth recently benefitted from a similar initiative.