VAT will create more benefits for farmers, consumers
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud
Guyana Chronicle
November 20, 2006
Residents from various parts of the country Friday night last joined hundreds of Essequibians to participate in the closing night of ‘Essequibo Nite’ 2006 at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground.
The exhibition was designed to promote locally-grown produce and manufactured items.
The two-day event was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), the Regional Administration and the private sector. Exhibitors included the Pomeroon Oil Mill Incorporated, Big Bird and Sons Limited, Edward Beharry Group of Companies and farmers from the Pomeroon River. Agencies of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock also showcased their services.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud in remarks to the closing night crowd observed that the activity had attracted a large number of participators over the years, ever since it was initiated in 1999 by former Minister of Agriculture, the late Satyadeow Sawh.
‘Essequibo Nite’ highlights Guyana’s locally grown and manufactured products at both the local and international levels and attracts visitors from overseas as well.
According to the Minister, the activity allows for the creation of more businesses and interest in agriculture this allows for better prices for local products. The challenges facing the various industries were highlighted and Minister Persaud assured that Government is committed to making relevant interventions to boost the sector and ensure more benefit for farmers.
The Minister contended that some citizens still do not seem to understand the details on Value Added Tax (VAT) to take effect from January 1, 2007, and thus took the opportunity at the forum to explain the issue, particularly farmers for the benefit for farmers. He pointed out that the new tax will create more benefits for farmers and consumers and will replace eight existing taxes.
“Government is looking at the issue very carefully and I want to tell you that our farmers and consumers will not have to pay more for their products and that no tax will be charged on basic food items,” he said.
GMC General Manager Mr. Nizam Hassan said he was impressed with the large gathering of persons at the event, all eager to participate in the promotion of the country’s products, a testimony to the pride Guyanese feel about what they produce.
Derek Gonsalves, a farmer of the Lower Pomeroon River said he was very excited about the response to the exhibition of produce grown in his area, including coconuts, plantains, passion fruit, peppers and avocados.
He noted that many enquiries were made about the cultivation of the produce and many were impressed with the quality and quantity of items grown in the Pomeroon River.
Similarly, Supervisor of the Pomeroon Oil Mill James Miguel said his items attracted the interest of many persons who viewed his booth which highlighted the various stages of production of the Golden Brooke Oil manufactured at Charity and exported.
‘Essequibo Nite 2006’ was declared open on November 17 by Region Two Vice Chairman, Vishnu Samaroo.
The event was first hosted in 1999, following the establishment of a committee to conduct an aggressive promotion of the country’s locally-manufactured and agriculture products.
The Committee, including representatives from the private and public sector, conducted an entire month of activities in April 1999. This led to the hosting of ‘Guyana Nite’ in Georgetown under the theme ‘Made in Guyana, Grown in Guyana’.
As a result of the response to that activity, similar exhibitions were held at Bagotstown and Essequibo.
It was during the hosting of ‘Essequibo Nite’ in October that those gathered requested that the event be held annually, and for two nights, instead of one. Events similar to ‘Essequibo Nite’ have been held in Rupununi, Bartica and East Berbice.
(GINA)