The Government is advancing a comprehensive vision to transform Region 10 into a more diversified and economically vibrant region, with agriculture being positioned as a key driver of investment, entrepreneurship, employment and sustainable development.
The initiatives were highlighted by Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha, during a series of engagements in Region 10 as part of the ongoing Cabinet Outreach led by His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
The Cabinet Outreach is providing an important platform for Government to engage directly with residents, farmers, community leaders, young people and other stakeholders, allowing policymakers to hear concerns first-hand, identify opportunities and respond with practical interventions that can positively impact communities.
During his engagements, Minister Mustapha met with residents and farmers, engaged members of the Rastafari community at the House of Nyabinghi at Wismar Shore, and held discussions with young people interested in entering modern tunnel-ventilated poultry production.
The engagements also highlighted the significant potential for agriculture to become a stronger pillar of Region 10’s economy, particularly as the Government continues to pursue opportunities beyond the region’s traditional economic activities.
“We want agriculture to be a major pillar in the economic transformation of this region. We are looking at how we can expand agriculture here, create opportunities for our young people, support entrepreneurs and attract investment,” Minister Mustapha said.
He pointed to ongoing efforts to expand soybean and bean production, livestock development, mechanised agriculture and the cultivation of high-value crops to supply growing local and national markets.
The Minister also disclosed that the Government is currently engaging an investor interested in undertaking hemp production in Region 10. The proposed investment has the potential to introduce another area of economic activity while creating opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and local participation.
Another area showing growing interest among young people is modern poultry production. Minister Mustapha said Government is working to support young entrepreneurs interested in establishing tunnel-ventilated poultry operations through the Agriculture Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP).
The programme is intended to provide young people with opportunities to enter agriculture using modern technology and production systems, while helping to strengthen domestic food production and create sustainable agricultural enterprises.
Minister Mustapha said the level of interest demonstrated during the Cabinet Outreach reflects the considerable potential that exists within Region 10 and reinforces the importance of Government maintaining direct engagement with communities.
He noted that the Outreach allows Government to move beyond simply identifying challenges by bringing the relevant agencies and policymakers closer to the people, assessing needs on the ground and pursuing solutions that can translate into tangible improvements in the lives of residents.
“The Cabinet Outreach is important because it brings Government directly to the people. We are listening, we are identifying the opportunities and we are working to ensure that the resources and programmes of Government can reach the communities that need them,” Minister Mustapha said.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working with residents, farmers, young people, investors and community groups to unlock Region 10’s productive potential and ensure that the region benefits from Guyana’s continued economic transformation.
“We have to develop this country. This country belongs to every one of us, and every region and every community must have an opportunity to benefit from the development taking place in Guyana,” the Minister said.
The Government’s continued engagement through the Cabinet Outreach forms part of its broader commitment to ensuring that development remains inclusive, community-focused and responsive to the needs and aspirations of Guyanese across the country.
