Latest update March 21st, 2025 7:03 AM
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A happy holiday for a special group of women
Members of the Mangrove Reserve Women’s Agriculture Producer group
Members of the Mangrove Reserve Women’s Agriculture Producer group displaying gift baskets
have much to smile about this Christmas. Just two months into their existence as an agro-processing group, the women have already tapped into the market – thanks to Christmas, the season of giving and sharing.
That became a reality through purchases made by Digicel, one of Guyana’s major cellular networks, the Inter-American Institute of Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Conservation International, Ministry of Agriculture, and a number of individuals.
The group comprising women from mangrove-forested communities stretching from Buxton in Region Four to Berbice in Region Six, pooled resources to create gift baskets consisting appetizing organic Mangrove Reserve products. Some of the products are honey, green seasoning, cassava bread, coconut biscuits, tamarind balls and guava jam.
According to beekeeper Carlotta De Jesus, when the group entered the local market two months ago at its first Farmers’ Market Day held at the Mangroves Reserves Visitors Centre, Victoria, East Coast Demerara, no one expected that by December such a large market would have been created.
De Jesus related that the money earned means a lot to everyone, especially at Christmas. She noted that prior to the project she was unemployed and was financially challenged. It is anticipated that if the demand continues and production expands every member will see personal growth.
Though some members will utilize their earnings to have a grand time with their families this Christmas, De Jesus noted that a portion of her money will be put into savings in anticipation of the next order. She recounted that when the group was called upon to prepare over 400 gift baskets, some members did not have enough money.
Another member, Savitri Kooblall, who resides in Berbice, is happy to be part of the income-generating venture. For years, Kooblall has been the breadwinner of her family, and was looking for a permanent means of earning.
According to Annette Arjoon-Martins, Chairperson of the Mangrove Restoration Project, when the entity commenced, this aspect was unforeseen. She related that the livelihood component is bearing fruit and already producers under the project are demonstrating ownership over the mangroves.
It is expected that their economic empowerment will see the sustainability of the Mangrove Restoration Project after it concludes in 2013. The project is funded by the European Union and Government.
Arjoon-Martins stressed that orders received for the Christmas season are valuable. They have planted hope in the souls of the women. Their produce could now be found at Grand Coastal Inn and Oasis Café. They will also be available at Bounty Supermarket outlets.
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