Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my thoughts on the article titled “MMA-ADA to be independently audited – Mustapha,” published in the Stabroek News. This announcement comes as a long-overdue step in addressing concerns that have plagued the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary/Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) since its inception. For decades, the MMA-ADA has been viewed by many as a mint for millionaires—and now, billionaires.
The project, originally intended to drive agricultural development, has seemingly strayed from its primary goal, becoming an instrument for enriching the well-connected few at the expense of the many. Since the establishment of the MMA-ADA in the 1970s, over GYD $2 billion has been allocated to develop over 120,000 hectares of land. However, a significant portion of these lands has been leased to large-scale investors, some of whom pay as little as GYD $2,500 per acre annually, while ordinary farmers are left with limited access to land and resources.
Despite these massive investments, smaller farmers still struggle with inadequate drainage, irrigation, and maintenance systems—issues that have crippled their productivity. Between 2010 and 2020, the MMA-ADA collected approximately GYD $400 million annually in drainage and irrigation fees, but there is little to show for it in terms of substantial improvements for the small-scale agricultural community. Instead, well-connected entities have continued to benefit from preferential land leases, often flipping these properties for profit or using them for purposes that do not directly benefit local agriculture.
In many cases, large sections of land remain underutilized or abandoned altogether, while the agricultural sector as a whole has failed to achieve its full potential. An independent audit of the MMA-ADA is indeed a welcome initiative, but it must be thorough, transparent, and actionable. It cannot just be a symbolic gesture or a routine exercise. The audit must expose any wrongdoings and identify areas where reforms are necessary to ensure that the MMA-ADA serves its intended purpose: to facilitate equitable and sustainable agricultural development.
For too long, the structure and operations of the MMA-ADA have favoured a small group of elite beneficiaries, while countless others are left on the sidelines. In a region where the agricultural sector contributes more than 20% to the country’s GDP, the wealth that flows from these projects should circulate throughout the sector, providing opportunities for everyone—especially small and medium-scale farmers—who need support to thrive.
As the audit progresses, we must demand accountability and push for reforms that will truly democratize access to resources and opportunities within the MMA-ADA’s purview. The results of this audit must lead to a reinvigorated system that promotes fairness, transparency, and long-term development, rather than simply perpetuating the status quo.
Sincerely,
Keith Bernard
