Vegetables cheaper in Linden than in Georgetown

Georgetown, GINA, April 22, 2008

Residents of Linden, Region Ten, are engaged in agricultural activities to the extent that vegetables are sold in that community at a cheaper price than in Georgetown. This was told to Minister of Foreign Trade and International Co-operation, Dr Henry Jeffrey, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn and Presidential Adviser on Empowerment Odinga Lumumba in the presence of Regional Chairman Mortimer Mingo during the consultation, held at the Linmine Constabulary Hall on Friday last, to garner suggestions on additional interventions that could be made to cushion the effects of the rising cost of food.

(L-R )Min Robeson Benn & Dr Henry Jeffrey Regional Chairman Mortimer Mingo and Odinga Lumumba

            The residents in replying to the Ministers’ call for them to get involved in agriculture, noted that due to the soil type only some vegetables are cultivated. They advised the Ministers that over the last three years agriculture production has been on the increase and has contributed significantly to the empowerment of several residents.
            The initiative to turn to agriculture was as a result of the foreseen need, and having suffered from shortages in the past, the Regional Council formulated a plan to make the area self sufficient in cash-crops. The Linden Economic Advancement  Programme (LEAP) has also been assisting farmers with limited financing for economic ventures in the community.

Residents at the food prices consultation

            Several residents expressed a desire to extend their farms and requested the intervention of the Ministers to facilitate the processing of leases to their farmland so that they could approach lending institutions for financing.
            The Ministers congratulated the residents for their efforts and assured them that they would pursue the lease issue with the relevant authorities. 

A resident of Linden makes a point during the foof price consultation

 

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