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“In three years, between the trees, between the 500 coconut trees that we will plant and the more than 200 citrus trees that we will plant, I want to see ecolodges,” the President said.

He also mentioned that he would like to see the community producing and exporting their own chicken and poultry products.

He envisions that within the next couple years, the community will be an agricultural hub and with the community’s support “next year in a bigger way we will be here again celebrating the fruits of thy labour.”

Additionally, 50 bags of fertilizer, two chainsaws, a fogging machine, mist blower, cutlasses and insecticide, among other items, were handed over to further develop agriculture in the community.

Meanwhile, President Ali also revealed that the community will also benefit from internet services that should be up and running by Wednesday afternoon.

Other initiatives include; a $19 million well that is set to begin construction in two weeks; the expansion of pipe networks in the community to the value of $10 million; the construction of a kitchen and fence for the primary school; and 40 HP engine and boat for the community.

Commitments were also made to clean the creek in the area.

“We will engage the community here and you will work with us on cleaning the creek, ensuring the free flow of the creek,” President Ali said.

Speaking at an event to mark “Day of the Seafarer”, Greene said sometimes seafarers are abandoned.

“…together let us strive to create a more sustainable and supportive environment for those who dedicate their lives to the seas,” Greene said.

Every year, “Day of the Seafarer” is observed on June 25. This year, the theme is “Seafarers Contribution to Making the Maritime Sector a Safer Workplace”.

According to the International Chamber of Shipping, globally there are an estimated 1.8 million seafarers serving on merchant ships

In Guyana, Green said while the number of persons involved in this profession is “comparatively low” to some neighbouring countries. However, she said there is an “evident” increase in the number of persons training to become seafarers.

“It is imperative that our seafarers are well trained and motivated to serve on board,” Green said.

MARAD’s Director of Legal Services, Thandi McAllister, noted that the department’s register accounts for approximately 11,500 seafarers.

And with the growing economy, she said there are more opportunities and gaps to be filled in the profession.

To date, she said more than 150 candidates have benefitted from maritime training through GOAL, the government’s online scholarship programme.

As the regulatory authority, McAllister highlighted that MARAD continues to survey and inspect ships to ensure that they are safe and are adequately manned by persons who are trained and experienced.

“Seafaring is inherently hazardous. It’s a risky workplace. Thus it is upon all of us….to keep the sector safe,” she said.

Additionally, McAllister noted that Guyana has adopted all of the key conventions relative to keeping the oceans, seas and rivers safe.

And though not yet a member of the Maritime Labour Convention, McAllister said MARAD has been putting in place several measures to ensure there is compliance with the convention, particularly to ensure there are minimum working and living standards for all seafarers.

“Your life, seafarers, is sacrifice and we recongise that you are confronted by a number of challenges.

“Being away from home and family, piracy, wars, drug smuggling, human trafficking, insufficiently manned ships, loneliness and abandonment and so comes through to our Registrar…we will continue to work to ensure that your wellbeing remain secure and in safe hands,” McAllister said.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the fire prevention department, the Guyana Fire Service said in a release.

Two other houses nearby also suffered significant damage. The northern wall, an air conditioning condenser on the southern wall, six sash windows, and 12 meters of PVC guttering of a two-storey wooden and concrete building, located at Lot 262 Blue Sackie Drive, was destroyed.

Another two-storey wooden and concrete building located at Lot 263 Blue Sackie Drive, experienced severe damage to 11.3 meters of PVC ceiling and guttering on the southern side wall, along with the complete destruction of one sash window.

Additionally, a white Toyota Sequoia V8 (PKK 2521) located at Lot 264 Blue Sackie Drive also sustained damage as a result of the blaze. The vehicle’s driver-side window was completely destroyed, and the entire left side of the vehicle was severely damaged.

“When you drive along the West Side ports, what do you see? Competition with the ports on the East Side, and the Georgetown ports. We have new ports at Wales, La Grange, Vreed en Hoop, [and] Versailles. When you add up the private investments in those ports alone, it is more than US$700 million,” the president pointed out.

During the engagement, residents were given the opportunity to raise community concerns directly with the president and government ministers, while several areas were established at the venue to address personal issues.

The president assured that all issues will be followed up on and that the team is ready and committed to resolving them within two weeks, where possible. [Modified from DPI]