Latest update March 29th, 2025 5:38 AM
Region Two economic crunch banks on Agro Expo
One year after its resuscitation, the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce has successfully launched its inaugural Agro and Trade Expo.
The Pomeroon-Supenaam region, (Region Two), is highly dependent on its agro
Scenes from the Region Two, Agro and Trade Expo.
industry, particularly its abundant supply of rice. The region however, has seen a sudden economic collapse as the Venezuelan market no longer exists. This has added severe economic pressure on rice farmers and the population, since most are dependent on the industry.
In an effort to combat the region’s economic crisis, the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce had been resuscitated, with the aim of propelling the local economy forward.
President of the chamber, Deleep Singh, said that since its resuscitation, the chamber has been engaging with both governmental and non-governmental organizations, in an effort to create a green economy.
After just one year of resuscitation, the chamber is hosting its first Agro and Trade Expo under the theme “Essequibo means Business.” The exposition is aimed at creating a better business environment for small businesses in Region Two, since it sensitizes young entrepreneurs on how they can establish and expand their businesses.
This historic opening attracted President David Granger; Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally.
Region Two Executive Officer, Rupert Hopkinson, said that there is an increased need for business activities in the region, in order for economic development to be fostered. Essequibo has supermarkets, 15 modern hotels, 15 gas stations, four commercial banks, six wharves and eight modern rice mills. Former Member of Parliament, Isahakh Basir, emphasized that there’s still great potential for further development in Region Two since there are acres of lands that are currently unoccupied.
He said, “There remains some 20 square miles of unoccupied land suitable for cattle rearing, 12 square miles for coffee, cassava, yams and other ground provisions. He added that the Pomeroon has approximately 60 square miles of untouched land that can produce almost any crop.”
Mr. Basir encouraged local businesses to make an effort to produce their own products locally instead of importing from other countries; this in turn would regulate the flow of income within the local economy.
Regional chairman, Daveanand Ramdatt, acknowledged that there is indeed potential for development particularly in tourism.
He said that Region Two is blessed with nine beautiful Amerindian communities with natural lakes and beautiful vistas. The regional chairman highlighted a few adverse conditions that continue to stand in the path to progress.
“The poor services provided by the Guyana Power and Light as well as the telecommunication company, continue to put businesses in a ‘dark world.’ Heavy taxation has been driving local business owners insane.”
According to Ramdatt the roads to tourism are literally in a deplorable state, and those leading to the lakes need urgent attention. He believes that the region must work collectively with the government in an effort to get the rice cereal factory operational.
Daveanand added that the Government should provide better clarity on the oil exploration, particularly how it can impact the lives of citizens of Region Two.
Minister Gaskin said that the Ministry of Business is interested in making investments in Region Two, considering the potential for economic growth. The Ministry of Business has aided in the establishment and development of local businesses and their products. Gaskin said he has seen products and manufacturing companies in Region Two that are ready for international markets.
President David Granger labelled the region as the country’s food bowl and emphasized the need for more diversified production within the region. “Unless you start adding value, by refining and processing our raw materials into meaningful products, we would not be able to overcome the problem of poverty, we need to work together to build a more resilient economy in Region Two.”
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