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FM
Former Member

NGO launches $42M Akawini community development project in support of Government’s developmental agenda – administration welcomes the initiative

Written by , Published in News, Georgetown, GINA, July 29, 2015, Source

 

Government’s overall drive to develop and enhance the lives of Guyana’s indigenous peoples was today boosted as Food For the Poor Guyana Inc. commissioned a $42M community development project in Akawini, Pomeroon River, Region Two. The project was a collaborative effort of Food For the Poor and the residents of the community.

 

Expressing Governments appreciation for the initiative was Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, who participated in the official inauguration and cutting of the ribbon.

The project which is the brainchild of the former Toshao of Akawini, Rudolph Wilson saw the construction of 27 houses, the provision of four cassava mills and two cargo/passenger boats complete with engines to further enhance the lives of the almost 900 residents.

 

In her presentation, Minister Lowe explained that it is not often that an indigenous community benefits from such a project. She commended the management of Food For the Poor for embarking on such an initiative and the Toshao and residents for making it possible.

 

“This is not the first time that Food For the Poor has assisted any community, they have assisted many communities across Guyana and the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs is grateful,” Minister Lowe said.

 

Minister Lowe expressed satisfaction on the level of cooperation between the Toshao and the residents adding that the leaders of the community are really working for the enhancement of the lives of the peoples. This she said has resulted in a very fruitful partnership between the community and Food For the Poor.

 

“You have strong leaders. I know the pride that flows through the veins of the peoples. I see it in the faces of all of you today, therefore I am confident that you will not take this opportunity for granted. Houses are a necessity, they will bring you comfort and keep your families safe. The boats and cassava mills are tools to make your lives better,” the Minister told the residents.

 

She explained that the project has given the residents the opportunity to be more self-sufficient urging them to take it to the next level by allowing the items to benefit all of the community.

 

The meeting was told that the Government does not see race, gender or class and it is of the firm belief that moving forward can only happen if all Guyanese work together for the common goal.

 

Meanwhile in her overview of the project, Senior Projects Manager of Food For the Poor, Andrea Benjamin explained that the needs assessment for the project was done in late 2013 into 2014 after a request was made by the former Toshao. Benjamin said that this project is seen as an investment in the community to enhance the lives of the peoples and as such, she is urging that efforts are made to sustain the project.

 

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Food For the Poor, Kent Vincent, his organization is happy that it has contributed to the improvement of the living standards of the community adding that his organization will continue to embark on similar initiatives in other communities.

 

He urged the residents to work, take care of the boats and effectively manage the operation of the cassava mills to get the maximum benefits.

Recently appointed Regional Chairman, Davenand Ramdatt also congratulated and expressed gratitude to the management of Food For the Poor for investing such resources into the Akawini community. He said that, “it is partnerships like these which have a direct impact on the lives of the peoples and communities and it fits firmly in the overall developmental thrust.”

 

The Regional Chairman further noted that development cannot or should not take place within communities without firstly consulting with the people to determine the immediate needs adding that, this is the approach of the Government and that of the Regional Democratic Council.

 

He committed to reaching out and to provide any further assistance needed in improving the lives of the men, women and children of the community.  

Recently appointed Toshao David Wilson in his remarks expressed deepest gratitude and appreciation to the management and staff of the NGO for making the dreams of many within the community a reality. He committed to oversee the effective management of the resources given to the community.

 

Food For the Poor began working in Guyana in 1991, delivering food and other basic items to under-privileged people in Guyana. It is now the leading non-governmental organization providing relief to the people of Guyana. In 2014, Food For the Poor shipped 196 containers of goods to Guyana. Shipments to Guyana include goods that serve basic needs, as well as food, medicine, health care items, and educational supplies.

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The Minister aught to know that it was the Jagdeo administration which started the food for the community drive. However, this is political points for the Government.  A community of 900 will have four cassava mills and the other 100 communities have none.

R
Originally Posted by Demerara_Guy:

Minister Valerie Lowe demonstrating the use of one of the four cassava mills.

Minister Valerie Lowe demonstrating the use of one of the four cassava mills.

Four cassava mills for 900 people ? This is progress PNC style.

 

When will they roll out their promised Rice Flour Mills ?

FM
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Demerara_Guy:

Minister Valerie Lowe demonstrating the use of one of the four cassava mills.

Minister Valerie Lowe demonstrating the use of one of the four cassava mills.

Four cassava mills for 900 people ? This is progress PNC style.

 

When will they roll out their promised Rice Flour Mills ?

Hey hey hey, Stormy's ideas come fuss!!

FM
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Demerara_Guy:

 

Minister Valerie Lowe demonstrating the use of one of the four cassava mills.

Four cassava mills for 900 people ? This is progress PNC style.

 

When will they roll out their promised Rice Flour Mills ?

Are you against rice flour because it reminds you of the PNC days in power? The fact is that rice flour is a very hot commodity today with the exploding demand for gluten free products in the West. This is a market that needs to be explored because of its huge growth potential.  

Mars
Originally Posted by baseman:
Originally Posted by Ramakant-P:

The Government has the right  ideas but it can be better implemented.

Well, I say, give them the time.  What you think could be done better?

Maybe D2 can throw some light on your question.  I don't think the Amerindians need help in that field.

R
Originally Posted by Mars:
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Demerara_Guy:

 

Minister Valerie Lowe demonstrating the use of one of the four cassava mills.

Four cassava mills for 900 people ? This is progress PNC style.

 

When will they roll out their promised Rice Flour Mills ?

Are you against rice flour because it reminds you of the PNC days in power? The fact is that rice flour is a very hot commodity today with the exploding demand for gluten free products in the West. This is a market that needs to be explored because of its huge growth potential.  

Tell your PNC friends to implement it as soon as possible in Guyana and send it Indos to make roti.

 

Indos will be delighted with the new "Hot Item"

FM
Last edited by Former Member
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Mars:
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Demerara_Guy:

 

Minister Valerie Lowe demonstrating the use of one of the four cassava mills.

Four cassava mills for 900 people ? This is progress PNC style.

 

When will they roll out their promised Rice Flour Mills ?

Are you against rice flour because it reminds you of the PNC days in power? The fact is that rice flour is a very hot commodity today with the exploding demand for gluten free products in the West. This is a market that needs to be explored because of its huge growth potential.  

Tell your PNC friends to implement it as soon as possible in Guyana and send it Indos to make roti.

 

Indos will be delighted with the new "Hot Item"

I'm speaking about the gluten free market in the West Dumdum.

Mars
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Demerara_Guy:

Minister Valerie Lowe demonstrating the use of one of the four cassava mills.

Minister Valerie Lowe demonstrating the use of one of the four cassava mills.

Four cassava mills for 900 people ? This is progress PNC style.

 

When will they roll out their promised Rice Flour Mills ?

It's just a start, yuji. Other hinterland communities will get their mills in due course. Minister Valerie Lowe can't be in two or four places at the same time. She ent Paramhansa Yogananda. She will present mills to the other regions. Look out in the news.

IMO, there will be one drawback with those mills; the modern technology may displace the millennia-old method of grating cassava, a part of the indigenous people's culture. But they have to decide what they want.

FM
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Mars:
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Demerara_Guy:

 

Minister Valerie Lowe demonstrating the use of one of the four cassava mills.

Four cassava mills for 900 people ? This is progress PNC style.

 

When will they roll out their promised Rice Flour Mills ?

Are you against rice flour because it reminds you of the PNC days in power? The fact is that rice flour is a very hot commodity today with the exploding demand for gluten free products in the West. This is a market that needs to be explored because of its huge growth potential.  

Tell your PNC friends to implement it as soon as possible in Guyana and send it Indos to make roti.

 

Indos will be delighted with the new "Hot Item"

You can be the first. What's your address?

S
Originally Posted by Sparky:
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Mars:
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Demerara_Guy:

 

Minister Valerie Lowe demonstrating the use of one of the four cassava mills.

Four cassava mills for 900 people ? This is progress PNC style.

 

When will they roll out their promised Rice Flour Mills ?

Are you against rice flour because it reminds you of the PNC days in power? The fact is that rice flour is a very hot commodity today with the exploding demand for gluten free products in the West. This is a market that needs to be explored because of its huge growth potential.  

Tell your PNC friends to implement it as soon as possible in Guyana and send it Indos to make roti.

 

Indos will be delighted with the new "Hot Item"

You can be the first. What's your address?

I refuse to touch anything PNC with a yard stick.

FM
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Sparky:
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Mars:
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Demerara_Guy:

 

Minister Valerie Lowe demonstrating the use of one of the four cassava mills.

Four cassava mills for 900 people ? This is progress PNC style.

 

When will they roll out their promised Rice Flour Mills ?

Are you against rice flour because it reminds you of the PNC days in power? The fact is that rice flour is a very hot commodity today with the exploding demand for gluten free products in the West. This is a market that needs to be explored because of its huge growth potential.  

Tell your PNC friends to implement it as soon as possible in Guyana and send it Indos to make roti.

 

Indos will be delighted with the new "Hot Item"

You can be the first. What's your address?

I refuse to touch anything PNC with a yard stick.

Mars' point lost on your old, calcified racist self. Not to mention dunce, ignorant man completely unaware of the world economy and trends. RICE FLOUR is in demand because of its gluten free qualities in a health conscious society trying to avoid gluten. Being the racist dunce you are, you are stuck on the PNC.

 

Granger and the PNC are trying to capitalize on this market and increase our participation in this market for rice. We also have a chance at producing rice products such as rice cakes etc. Mind you, Jagan recognized the importance of rice flour and the PPP paid lip service to this market (see Stormy's posting).

 

Granger's and the Coalition's focus on this rice market is an attempt to aid predominantly INDIAN RICE FARMERS who desperately need help now. But the ugly racist in you screams for the destruction of everything black man puts his hands on simply to justify that somehow Indians are the only ones who can run Guyana. You are a sick, sick, racist bastard, and a devout Hindu and pandit at that!

FM

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