Northwest Organics on Monday received a cheque valued $2.3M from Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh which it will use to purchase machinery to enable mass production in order to supply a new market in Trinidad.
In presenting the cheque to the head of the organization, Annette Arjoon, Minister Singh commended the society for the excellent organic products produced under the name Northwest Organics, namely cassava bread and casareep, Crabwood oil, and Crabwood oil soap, cocoa sticks, and peanut butter which are retailed at leading supermarkets in Georgetown, GINA reported.
Arjoon is also Project Coordinator of the Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society.
According to GINA, the money will be used to acquire five choppers/grinders, five diesel engines with frame/belts and five tillers with gasoline engines to facilitate the production of a larger quantity of goods since the company has been requested to export its products to Hi Lo Supermarket in Trinidad and Tobago.
The presentation of the cheque, GINA stated represented the fulfillment of a commitment by President Bharrat Jagdeo when he met with Arjoon recently and undertook to support the work of North West Organics in purchasing machinery to enable mass production.
The finance minister also noted the excellent work that the society has been doing not only in its original mandate in relation to sea turtle conservation but also in furthering the cause of sustainable development in the communities.
Approximately 100 indigenous women from five indigenous communities located at Hosororo, Waini, Maracaibo, Aquero and Tukapita have been involved in the manual production of non-traditional products.
Arjoon expressed her appreciation to President Jagdeo and the government for the money received.
She also acknowledged the support of the Ministries of Amerindian Affairs and Agriculture. Arjoon said her society remains committed to continuing its conservation and community development work.
The Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society was founded in 2000 with the sole mandate of effecting sea turtle conservation, but its objectives were broadened in 2005 to include the economic well-being of the user communities and conservation of the environment via North West Organics. Since then North West Organics has been the main marketing tool for products from the Shell Beach area.
