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President Irfaan Ali said that Pakuri Village (St Cuthbert’s Mission) will be a model for integrated farms for small communities across the country and that government will help to expand its ongoing agriculture projects.
Ali made the statement during an impromptu visit to the community as residents celebrated its 134th anniversary Saturday.
According to Ali, in another year the community will be a model community for integrated farms and can be an important part of the whole ecosystem producing food for the community and others.
Currently, the community has embarked on an agricultural project on approximately 12 acres of land where they are constructing an 80×40 shade house that will be used to grow high-value crops.
They are also planting red beans on approximately 10 acres of land. Ali made a commitment to the community government will partner with the village to increase its current red beans production by 25 acres, and the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) which will provide the market for their produce.
The President emphasised that Pakuri is “an integral part of our development agenda” and that no community would be left behind.
“Whether you’re on the highway, whether you’re in the hinterland, the riverine community, you’re in an urban centre, we are going to go there, we are going to meet you. This is my third visit to this community and every single community we are trying to visit, every single community we’re trying to get into because we want to hear from the people themselves.”
The President also explained to the residents that in addition to the agricultural projects, the Government will partner with the community, to train residents and use their skills and labour to construct concrete roads for the community.
This project, the President said, will start within the next two months.
He added that the community’s ICT hub will be connected to the internet within the next four weeks and a team from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will return to the community to inspect and improve residents’ access to water.
“We are also going to work with you on the development of your tourism sector. Not only the guest house that is under construction for the backpack type of tourism, but I believe that on the landing, we can have some Eco lodges, where families can come and rent those lodges, proper state of the Eco lodges that will support your development here.”
The President said that the aim is to have the community “self-sufficient” by the end of next year in the production of food. To make this a reality, he explained that the Government will work with the community on the Black Giant Chicken project to ensure that all of the eggs that are used in the community are produced locally.
He also noted that the Government would ensure that the community benefits from sporting activities.
