—to create career opportunities in agriculture for youths
The township of Bartica has welcomed the opening of its first Ranch, an initiative created and funded by international Evangelist, Orvin Rose.
The agriculture industry, being responsible for producing most of the world’s foods and fabrics, and having such a major role and impact on the life of Guyana’s economy, Rose said it is important to preserve the industry amidst the vastly growing oil sector.
In a short interview with this publication, the pastor explained that ‘The Rose Ranch’ will be producing crops and livestock, and later, honey, fish and agro-processed goods for the local and international markets. “Countries have placed a large emphasis on agriculture and we have the potential here. The oil revolution we are experiencing here now, creates an even greater opportunity for agriculture, to have a profitable business, supplying to oil companies and other companies coming to Guyana for Oil. They shouldn’t be importing food, we should be able to provide here,” he underscored.
As such, the pastor said the Ranch will be committed to develop and boost the agriculture industry in an environmentally friendly way, while transforming the lives of the youths of Bartica, by creating job and career opportunities in agriculture.
“Thus far we were able to employ over 15 people from Bartica, starting first with the construction process, using contractors here. And we have employed graduates from Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) and the University of Guyana (UG) to work on the Ranch. We are in the process of organising training in different areas of agriculture through a collaboration with National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NARI) that will do great for the youths. We have a slaughterhouse and a packaging center that will aid in facilitating agro-processed goods. In addition to employment opportunities, the community will have access to fresh produce here in Bartica. And we will be doing everything in an environmentally friendly and careful way,” Rose shared.
The goal, he said, is for The Rose Ranch to be a premier agriculture outlet in the country, that will see an influx of visits in the township as a practical station for agriculture students across the country, and inspire the youths to pursue careers in agriculture, especially youths from Bartica.
At a later date, a website will be developed for the Ranch where persons overseas can purchase items for their relatives in Guyana, and eventually produce good that can be exported.
Rose is a product of Bartica, but resides overseas and serves as a missionary travelling across various continents. Holding Bartica close to his heart, he returned to make this investment to develop and transform his hometown. The Rose Ranch will be managed by the Gomes’ family and is located at 4 ½ Miles Potaro Road Bartica.
