Georgetown : President Donald Ramotar acknowledged the significant contributions of rice farmers to Guyana’s economy, and called on them for their support to ensure much more happens in 2014.
Guyana recorded its highest ever rice production in 2013, netting 530,000 tonnes.
Speaking to the farmers during a Christmas party organised by the Rice Producers Association (RPA), at Crane, West Coast Demerara, President Ramotar observed that things are not smooth and easy with projects always being stopped for one reason or the other.
Pointing to cuts of the national budget earlier this year, he reminded that they affected major development programmes for the country such as the Specialty Hospital, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion and the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project. The President noted that the Amaila Falls project would have alleviated electricity problems in Guyana, in addition to attracting investment, and creating employment for Guyanese.
“Only recently, the Anti Money Laundering Bill which targets drug trafficking and people profiting from illegal money, again the opposition opposed it… I know that it is putting our country in great danger and carrying up the cost in doing business in Guyana,” the President stated.
He appealed to the rice farmers for their support to carry on and pull the country forward.
