President Irfaan Ali has announced that talks are underway to revive private cane farming in Region 3 in an effort to boost economic activity in some West Bank Demerara communities.

Speaking at a public meeting at Canal Number 1, the President noted that the closure of the Wales estate a few years ago, made a number of private cane farmers from the West Bank lose their investment and livelihood.

He said although the Government has been working on alternative opportunities for the communities, he believes the resuscitation of private cane farming will once again increase economic activity in the region.

“We now have to find a formula and right now I have asked the Ministry of Agriculture, I have asked GUYSUCO to come to me with a plan, through which we can help the farmers to prepare back the land, so that they can get back into private cane farming and in getting back into private cane farming, we have to ensure that we build a sector in which they are paid a fair price for their cane so that they can be successful,” the President noted.

The President said the move is part of a wider push to ensure that more is being done at the community level. He pledged continued support to farmers and small businesses in the Region, saying government will continue to invest to ensure that there is a leveled playing field for them.

“I can tell you directly, how are going to develop a localised economic strategy, a grassroot economic model that will ensure you at the community level, that you at this level, that you are successful also,” the President noted.

According to the President, several programmes will be started in the Region to support the various sectors.

He also promised training opportunities for persons interested in joining the teaching and nursing professions.

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