Dear Editor,
Please permit me space in your newspaper letter column to air the grievances and neglect of farmers on the left bank of the Corentyne River, between Curry Island and Pigeon Island. Farming is being done in this region on a large scale since colonial times by our East Indian, African and Chinese foreparents, and it is from here that some of our best scholars, businessmen, sportsmen and politicians have emerged. Past and present PPP Govern-ments have always enjoyed nearly 90% of political support at any elections for political office.
These residents are denied monthly visits by the ministry’s Field Extension Officers to assess damage done by the Covid-19 pandemic, high tides, and heavy and consistent rainfalls which have damaged citrus and provision as well as houses amounting to millions of dollars.
Orealla and Siparuta was given millions of dollars’ worth in fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, chicken and feed, all free of cost. Can the agriculture minister, Bharrat Jagdeo and President Ali say how much they have given to the farmers of the Corentyne River? Can they say how much they have given to these farmers, their diehard supporters?
At a meeting with the Corentyne Farmers at Crabwood Creek playground, the farmers aired their grievances with the Minister of Agriculture and his delegation. This meeting took place on the 20th of November, 2020 and he [the Minister] gave the farmers all assurances that within two weeks they will see immediate improvements in their livelihoods and their demands met. The following points were discussed with him:
1. The issuing of land titles or leases which is still pending for twenty years now (what has become of the monies that was paid to Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission? What will become of the investments by farmers who have been occupying these lands?) These farmers are treated worse than aliens or refugees.
2. Government assistance in terms of fertilizers, chemicals, food hampers as was given to Orealla and Siparuta and their party supporters – are Corentyne River farmers’ not their supporters too?
3. Proper landing site for farmers to market their produce opposite No. 79 Municipal Market.
4. Monthly visits to the farms by Ministry of Agriculture Field Extension Officers.
5. Police Protection.
6. Once a year Government Cash Grant.
I have been a farmer on the Corentyne River from 1956-2006 and from this farming area my family are what they are today. The PPP government only talks about agriculture, they do not put their words into practice. These farmers have children who attend Primary to Secondary schools. It is very difficult to maintain these children. They also have mortgages and utility bills to pay and to maintain their family, these farmers are barely earning.
Their demands at Crabwood Creek Playground, Albion Sports Complex and Classic Hotel Auditorium in the presence of Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who himself promised and instructed the minister to give the farmers assistance, which is just. On Friday, 16th of September 2022 at the Community Outreach at Skeldon Sports Complex, where Mr. Jagdeo was addressing the Community on developments in this country, why was it the farmers of the Corentyne River were not invited? This is my advice to you, farmers and the few PNC supporters in this farming area on how to get help and I will help you all.
1. Reorganize the Farmers Organi-zation which was formed in 1987
2. Hold a General Election with the present members, [include everyone], and invite the PNC/R leadership to attend. Mr. Norton is a very humble and approachable person, the treasurer Mr. Fiaz Mustapha resides at No. 78 Corriverton, also a humble young man who farms at Marabunta Creek, Corentyne River.
3. Contact the Guyana Human Rights Association, express your grievances – this present government is denying you your right to survive and own a piece of land in the land where you are born.
4. Hold a press conference with the newspapers and TV stations – be factual in your presentation
5. Write to the CARICOM Secre-tariat, Overseas Missions and Embassies and the Business Community stating that you, farmers are not being assisted to produce food as a business, and you, farmers are being made refugees in the land of your birth.
I look forward for the publication of this letter in your newspaper column. Farmers in this Corentyne River are in dire need of your help.
Sincerely,
Mohamed Yassen Alli
