Rice industry stakeholders lauded for growth initiatives
By Shirwin Campbell
Guyana Chronicle
July 5, 2003
The Guyana Rice Producers Association in collaboration with the Caribbean Policy Development Centre yesterday held a National Consultation on Trade in Agriculture at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, Red House.
Minister with responsibility for Fisheries, Crops and Livestock Satydeow Sawh who is also acting as Agriculture Minister, declared the consultation open.
The Minister lauded the initiative for the stakeholders to meet and analyze these complex and important issues, which will affect production.
He dismissed the distorted view of some individuals that complex issues must be resolved by top ranking functionaries.
Minister Sawh added that we can never forget the most important players, the stake holder and the farmers themselves.
He noted that the inclusion is an excellent idea and plans to host of similar ventures around the country received praises from the Minister.
Minister Sawh appealed for all players in the Rice Industry to keep in tune with the latest steps of Science and Technology, noting that it is the key to securing a niche in the International market and maintaining that niche also.
According to the Minister, it is essential to understand the issues so that we can become more focused in understanding the challenges we face.
He declared that he remains optimistic that many of the challenges will be overcome.
He added that we can feed ourselves and reduce the $30B spent annually in the Caribbean on the importation of food.
Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce Manzoor Nadir delivering brief remarks at the opening noted by the end of the year key legislations will be in the National Assembly to ensure our producers is not put at a disadvantage.
A Section of the farmers attending the Consultation.
A Section of the farmers attending the Consultation.
He urged the farmers and stakeholders to get their act together noting that the Fair trade WTO issues are all about consumers to give them choices and value for their money.
Minister Nadir gave the assurance that the Government of Guyana will represent them.
The event, received overwhelming response, from key stakeholders in the Rice Industry and Rice Farmers and also had representatives from Barbados and the Windward islands.
President of the Windward Islands Farmers Association Marcelle Harris also delivered some brief remarks at the function. She noted the need to come up with ideas on how free trade can work for us and disclosed this can only be achieved when they are involved in ventures like these.
Issues that the National Consultation will brainstorm includes
• The Agriculture Trade Liberlisation - Threats and Challenges for Guyana.
• Guyana- A case for Special and Differential Treatment in Global Trade Liberalisation.
• Rice in the New Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU and in the context of the Caricom Single market and Economy.
• Development in the Sugar Industry.
• Role of Civil Society in promoting and protecting National and Regional Interest.
• National Trade Strategy.
Facilitators include Professor Clive Thomas Director of Institute of Development Studies University of Guyana; Mr. Jagnarine Singh General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board; Dr. Ian McDonald Chief Executive Officer – Sugar Production of the Caribbean; Mr. Dharamukumar Seeraj- General Secretary Guyana Rice Producers’ Association and Mr. Cecil Seepersaud from the Agriculture Ministry.