–World-class eco-tourism facility on the cards for Region One

TO further spur development in several sectors, including agriculture and tourism, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has outlined a plan that would result in expanded job creation and improved living standards for Region One (Barima-Waini) residents.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during a public meeting in Mabaruma on Tuesday, highlighted how the region is being positioned as a hub for social, infrastructural and economic development.
Talking about a future of building more opportunities, the President pledged that there will be investments to expand river transportation services and air services. This move would see residents, especially farmers, being able to move their goods efficiently.

Adding value to local produce and extending shelf-life is also being targeted by the government, as the President announced that there are preparations to create a cold storage facility and a wharf.

The President also outlined a number of other policies that will catapult the agriculture sector within the region, and result in job creation and the income for families being boosted.
“We’re talking about Region One, to put in modern crab meat processing plant so that we can increase the value that we get out of the crab production,” President Ali said, adding: “We’re going to expand the crab production by investing in facilities; by investing in productivity…”
Region One will become the coffee and cocoa capital of the Caribbean, President Ali also told the residents, noting that a facility will be built, and the government will provide the financing and planting materials.

“We’re already bringing in a team from the Dominican Republic, from IICA, and from Brazil to work side-by-side with you,” he said. “We will put the equipment; we will put the investment. We will put the resources, so we can build the strongest coffee and cocoa industry.”

Beyond that, the government will invest in ensuring that there is a buying mechanism so that farmers do not have the expense of taking their produce to the market, and looking for the market.
“We are building a future for Region One; a future in which we will have more opportunities of earning more money, a future in which we will make financing available to you at zero per cent interest, a future in which more women will be able to earn money; more young women will be able to earn money for their families. A future in which we’ll empower young people in forestry,” he said.

He also noted that the government has started a programme for spices, turmeric, ginger, and black pepper, so as to help develop the spice industry.
Young people will be incorporated into this plan, the President said, while affirming that Region One has the manufacturing capability to develop the spice industry.
Speaking on infrastructure development, he said that the completion of key infrastructure projects is being prioritised so that accessibility for residents can improve. And, to this end, he said that Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal will identify a plot of land for the construction of a proper airstrip.

He also mentioned the expansion of electricity supply by building mini-grids to provide reliable 24-hour power in hinterland communities.
Further, tourism and cultural development have been outlined by the government as part of its plan to diversify and develop the nation, and Region One is also integrally involved in this drive.
President Ali told Region One residents that the government will establish a world-class eco-tourism facility within the region, and ensure that residents are trained to manage and benefit from these ventures.

President Ali assured the residents of continued support with social programmes and policies that will result in ownership of homes and farms: “You will get more grants; you will get more cash transfers. It is a People’s Progressive Party/Civic that has given you that, and you can be guaranteed once we’re in office, you will get more of that, and more and more and more… We’re talking to you about a future that is much more exciting; a future in which you can realise your full potential, a future in which you can own things you want.”