President tells UN New Global Approach to Food Security possible even as Gov’t deprives local farmers

Reaffirming Guyana’s commitment to contributing to global food security President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday proposed several measures that could tackle the global food crisis.

Ali addressing the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday said one of the mechanisms that could be implemented to achieve the much-needed change is the complete removal of export bans on commodities such as rice and wheat.

“The question is ‘what are we doing about this? Can the reversal of export bans on rice and wheat and freeing up of grains help this situation? The answer is a resounding yes,” he asserted.

Addressing the UN, President Ali said “as world leaders, we must find the balance now…now is the time for us to decide if a new approach is needed to guarantee food security, access to healthcare and quality education, and security from conflicts and wars”

He asked for inclusion and participation of “economically vulnerable countries” when global decisions are made on food security. Referencing the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Food Import Financing Facility (FIFF), the president said a revision may be needed for Caribbean countries to receive the fullest benefit.

Calling for revising the eligibility criteria to accommodate countries beyond the categories of low-income and lower-middle income groups, the president pointed out that the narrow grouping heightens the chance that many at-risk, economically vulnerable countries such as the Caribbean…will be excluded.

In the meantime, at home, farmers at Wales, on the East Bank Demerara continue to face roadblocks, instigated by the government, in accessing their lands to cultivate and reap. In spite of the court’s ruling the Notice of Quit letter sent by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL)  to the farmers be “withdrawn,” the dismantled bridges and those in disrepair make the court’s ruling ineffective. The Government is responsible for maintaining the bridges and roads from the farmlands to the main roads.