Latest update January 17th, 2025 6:30 AM
Jagdeo blames opposition for plight of E’bo rice farmers
Hundreds poured in from the north and south to converge at the iconic Damon Square, Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast for what was arguably one of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) bigger rallies.
First signs of the rally started as early as 14:00hrs with a motorcade procession leading to the town’s monumental square. The event officially commenced at 15:00hrs.
Leading the northern milieu of red and yellow supporters was Presidential Candidate Donald Ramotar along with first lady Deolatchmee Ramotar.
Former President, Bharrrat Jagdeo addressing the crowd at Anna Regina
As the party leader made his way towards the stage he was joined by Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper, accompanied by her husband, former cricketer, Mark Harper, and PPP/C General Secretary and Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee. Later, joining the entourage was Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali, and to much jubilant fanfare, former President Bharrat Jagdeo.
As thousands gathered at the historic site, party leaders promptly took the opportunity to highlight the ways the opposition coalition, A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) failed the Region.
The crowd was noticeably energised at the introduction of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, whose focus was on an issue which plagues persons on the Essequibo Coast – the rice industry.
As recent as March, rice farmers in the district protested the rates at which their crop has been selling. Many of the farmer’s concerns surround the fact that as production costs go up, the price of rice is being sold at a loss. To that end, the former President said that the Parliamentary cuts made in rice subsidies by the Opposition have hindered the development of the rice industry in recent times.
Jagdeo spoke of recent talks he held with farmers in the Region. “I came here and many of the farmers spoke about bug infestation and about the quality of the chemicals, they spoke about the need to help those who were flooded out,” related the former President. He went on to reveal that he consulted with President Ramotar, the Minister of Agriculture and other relevant authorities to ensure that farmers are paid on time.
Sections of the crowd at PPP/C rally in Damon Square
The PPP/C front-man also sought to defend the integrity of the PetroCaribe deal between the governments of Guyana and Venezuela. He called the accusations made by the opposition that the Government has been siphoning money from the deal “absolute nonsense”. According to the former President, PetroCaribe has nothing to with the rice industry, since most countries benefit from the Venezuelan oil company without rice.
“We took the oil money that we got as a loan and funded the purchase of rice so that farmers could have a higher price. That is because this Government cares about the industry.”
He said that in the last nine years, the government has spent over $50B in drainage and irrigation across the country to the benefit of the rice industry.
Jagdeo also made mention of plans the party has to improve farming in the Pomeroon, especially in the coconut industry, despite the opposition’s attempt to prove otherwise.
“They (the opposition) have committed to stymieing everything in the country so that they can claim that we are not doing anything for the country.”
Continuing with the issue of rice was Elizabeth Harper, who promised that rice will continue to be priority for the next PPP/C administration. “We will establish a National Paddy Rice Supporter system to assure payments to our farmers,” said the Prime Ministerial candidate. She also promised to amend the rice Factory Act, so as to provide more protection for rice farmers.
However, while policies on rice were addressed by the former President, it was noted by persons in attendance that issues which directly affected the Region were overshadowed by party politics. Such was the case with Minister Rohee’s address as it focused more on APNU+AFC leaders, and getting voters out come Election Day.
During President Ramotar’s feature address, it was observed that the crowd started thinning, as he centered his speech on the developmental projects undertaken by the PPP/C administration, instead of what he could do for Essequibo.
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