Dear Editor,
As we recoil from recent events and extend sympathy to the bereaved, it may be useful to look for some good that could emerge from all that took place.
Bulldozers clearing heavy brush for reasons of security also present an opportunity for cleared lands to be put to good use, absence of which would only allow the return to the original forested state in a relatively short time.
A tractor with the right implements can prepare these lands for cultivation, and give farmers across this region the opportunity to broaden the scope of their farming effort. Additionally, if the cleared areas encompass that unique band of soil that extends westward from Mahaica, an even greater variety of crops could be cultivated.
Guyana has established models for rice and sugar cultivation, and it may be opportune to intensify the commercial cash crop infrastructure. The North American, Caribbean and some Latin American markets are eager to absorb any increased output. Proximity to the Ogle airstrip would also facilitate shipment of the more delicate perishables, by cargo plane.
Growing opportunities in agriculture, and advances in energy, road and bridge construction should attract individuals who may be bent on militancy for whatever reason, real or imagined, to adopt the ethic that has made other countries great. The abundance of land, water and technical support could therefore eliminate the notion of ‘subsistence’ with regard to farming.
In theory, the only limiting factor to the realization of full potential in the prevailing context, would be labour.
Yours faithfully,
Patrick Scott
