By Bebi Shafeah Oosman
EUROPEAN Union Ambassador to Guyana Luca Pierantoni this week embarked on an official visit to the Ancient County of Berbice, where he engaged regional and government officials, community stakeholders and representatives from the private sector as part of efforts to strengthen relations and explore opportunities for development in Region Six.
The visit is part of the European Union (EU)’s ongoing commitment to fostering closer ties with communities across Guyana, and gaining a better understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges that exist outside of the capital city.
According to Pierantoni, the objective of the mission is to interact and get to know the local leaders, listen to them and gather information as to any challenges they may face as well as to meet the private sector.
On Friday, the Ambassador met with Member of Parliament Zamal Hussain and Regional Chairman Junior Basant. During discussions, attention was focused on economic development, investment opportunities, agriculture, fisheries, and cultural cooperation between Europe and Region Six.
Following the meeting, Pierantoni explained that such engagements are critical as Guyana continues to experience rapid economic growth and transformation. He noted that local regions stand to benefit from increased international attention and investment.
The Ambassador stressed that the regions are transforming, which means “more opportunities for investors including European investors so this is apart of the conversation”.
Additionally, he said that they would have discussed the possibility of developing stronger political ties and “cultural changes between Europe and the region”.
As part of his visit, the EU Ambassador also toured several agricultural and fisheries initiatives on the Corentyne, where he met members of the fishing community and observed projects aimed at enhancing food production and sustainable livelihoods.
Furthermore, Pierantoni explained that he also met the fishermen community operating and projects at Tarlogie Farm on the Corentyne. “Some agricultural projects, particularly Tarlogie Farm, the conclusion is that there are some concepts that we are developing in Europe like the farm-to-fork concept” that ensures that fresh food arrives to the consumers.
The Ambassador highlighted similarities between agricultural concepts being developed in Europe and initiatives already being implemented in Guyana. He noted that the integration of technology and innovation into local farming practices has made a positive impression.
He said this concept has already been explored here. “In fact, we were rather impressed with the technological advancement innovation which is injected in the farming here, and I must say the FAO is doing a very good job there. The EU is funding the FAO for the fishermen project, which is aimed at improving the fishing practices there; the numbers are rather impressive.”
According to the ambassador, the fisheries project has already produced tangible benefits for hundreds of households in the region and demonstrates the value of international partnerships in supporting local communities.
According to him, 300 families are benefitting “we have rather impressive, 10,000 fish every week in the region” adding that the distribution system could be improved which would mean more benefits for the fishing community.
He noted that improving distribution networks could further increase earnings for fishermen, and strengthen food security throughout the region.
Beyond economic and agricultural development, the Ambassador also expressed interest in expanding cultural cooperation between the European Union and Berbice. He pointed out that the EU has been actively involved in cultural initiatives in Georgetown and hopes to replicate similar programmes in Region Six.
He then stated that they are also looking to expand cultural activities in the region as they have been very active in Georgetown. Noting, that he will return with a complete proposal for engaging cultural initiative to “strengthen our ties here in Berbice.”
The visit is expected to pave the way for deeper collaboration between the European Union and Region Six in areas such as investment, agriculture, fisheries, community development, and cultural exchange, while creating new opportunities for residents and businesses throughout Berbice.
