Signs of a new Guyana-plantain chip factory for Region Three

May 07, 2023 Letters

Dear Editor,

Kaieteur News – I wish for some local studies on plantain, especially in the area of wastage. It really bugs me that something as precious as plantain is taken for granted in Guyana.

However, this mindset may change, as I saw recently that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is aiming to set up “An internationally branded plantain chip factory to be located in Parika, East Bank Essequibo…” This is going to be the ‘day.’ I mean this kind of thing is long overdue.

Let me point out a few things.

First, I see imported plantain chips in our shops and supermarkets. These are not so tasty (at least for me) and they are pricy. I can understand the reason too, as in Canada, plantain price is between US$ 2.06 and US$ 1.35 per kilogram or between US$ 0.93 and US$ 0.61 per pound (lb). The price in Canadian Dollar is CAD 2.57 per kg. Do the math.

However, there is no need for plantain chips to be imported. Guyana has fertile land mass, the soil type and enough farmers to ‘jump’ on this venture. So, I am glad that something like a plantain chips factory is in the making.

Secondly, plantains are nutritionally very similar to a potato, calorie-wise, but contain more of certain vitamins and minerals. They’re a rich source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and B-6, and the minerals magnesium and potassium. To me, plantains then should really supplant potatoes. I add that plantains are a carb-rich food and a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain antioxidants that fight free radicals. With good levels of vitamin C, they can also support immune function. Likewise, their vitamin B6 content may reduce cardiovascular risk and improve mood.

Talk about being money-wise and getting value for the dollar, and plantain investment is the way to go.

Editor, I have a third comment and this deals with the holistic approach that the PPP/C is taking. According to President Irfaan Ali, this venture “… is among a number of massive private business ventures coming to Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).”

His vision is that “… the region will grow into a major economic hub for the country …” He explained that because of “… the huge roll out of public and private infrastructure investments in the region, private investment proposals are continuing to come from investors in the region, and his government is working along with the region’s private sector to facilitate growth.” Well, this is the way it should be. And what is the feeling?

It is really upbeat, as was reported and observed. Indeed, it can be felt that “[There is] a lot of pleasant excitement about where the region is going and where the country is going. A lot of optimism, a lot of confidence and I would say it’s a high energy environment. What I have seen is the confidence in the development of this region, triggering a lot of investment proposals, a lot of business interests and more persons wanting to own their own homes in this region,” President Ali said.

Editor, a new age is indeed unfolding in Guyana. How come some people are not accepting this is beyond me. I mean look at the said region and take note. The thrust is awesome as indeed the government is “… trying to create infrastructure in the school system that encourages learning, that promotes learning. The student population is growing rapidly in this region, this may be one of the fastest growing school populations in terms of schools in the region and we are expanding those schools, we are extending, we are looking at new ways in fast tracking the building of new schools also.”

What is really going to create a vortex of excitement is the establishment of the New Harbour Bridge, as this will make the big link, that is “… the connecting of Region Three to Region Four (and this will no doubt) drive investment opportunities in the West Demerara area, since capital and economic actives in Region Four will become more accessible.

The bottom line is that Guyana is on the move and we need to catch this vision.

Yours truly,

Singh.

APNU+AFC Government, Guyana, Parika, PPP/C

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Signs of a new Guyana-plantain chip factory for Region Three

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