President Bharrat Jagdeo emphasised the importance of the agriculture sector as a viable contributor to regional economies in his address at the 5th meeting of the Core Group supporting the Jagdeo Initiative.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release Jagdeo, who is the lead Caricom head for agriculture, in his remarks to the group comprised representatives from the Caribbean Development Bank, the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery, the University of Guyana and others underscored the importance of the agricultural sector and urged that its role not be underestimated.
Jagdeo said the agricultural sector continues to be a substantial contributor to regional economies and its role as a major contributor to the gross domestic product can be achieved through the Initiative. He said agriculture is not only important to the region as food security, “but as (a) competitive export bloc which will earn our Region tremendous sums of money.” The speedy implementation of decisions made under the initiative is critical, especially with the emerging global trends, “We need to stimulate interest at that level to improve on the definition of the roles of different agencies and to regularise and streamline the contact between those agencies that are collaborating on this initiative,” the president said.
GINA said the president asked stakeholders to suggest ways that the proposal can get exposure at the highest level and ways that it can be efficiently and effectively implemented. Jagdeo said “It is important to ensure that we have regular monitoring and reporting because I am afraid a lot of things would fall in the crack if we do not have a consistent and organised process for following up on that initiative.” He commented that despite persistent challenges collective efforts can prove successful and, “if we continue to work in an organised fashion we can achieve a phenomenal outcome for our Region.” Applewaithe expressed gratitude for Jagdeo’s “leadership and energy” saying “We are looking to you for your continued support.”
GINA said the policies and programmes for the agriculture sector in the Caricom, as set out in the Initiative, will ensure that the region’s agriculture sector is given priority to ensure its sustainability. Following wider consultations, Jagdeo first outlined his vision for the initiative and the process for its development to the Conference of Caricom Heads of Government in July 2004, which endorsed it.
The meeting was hosted at the Cara Lodge.
