Latest update March 28th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jan 15, 2012 News
Chairperson of the Mangrove Action Committee, Annette Arjoon-Martins, has declared that the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project’s (GMRP) alternative livelihood component has surpassed expectations.
Many of the women’s groups from mangrove forested areas are organizing themselves into groups to take advantage of training and equipment assistance provided through the GMRP. In fact, members of the Mangrove Reserves Women’s Group are already gaining financially from agro-processing.
Mrs Arjoon-Martins stressed that this thrust provides the sustainability of mangrove preservation even after the restoration project ends next year. In fact the alternative livelihood component has expanded with the addition of two more women’s groups. They are the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Lichfield, Region Five and the No.64 Women’s Group at Upper Corentyne, Region Six.
She said that a spin-off of the mangrove restoration project is the development of cottage industries in areas where mangroves are reserved. There are now two which gave birth to women’s groups.
She asserted that the two women’s groups in Berbice have already organized themselves as agro-processors and will now get support from the GMRP for their cottage industries. Their products include pepper sauce, mango and tamarind achar and green seasoning. The groups received equipment and other forms of assistance in exchange for their support for the protection of the mangrove forests in their respective districts.
The GMRP’s support for the new recruits will include training in the basic principles of food and other agro-processing, hygiene and sanitation, quality assurance and standards, food microbiology, labeling and packaging.
Arjoon-Martins disclosed that they can also expect to be linked to the Women’s Agro- Processors Development Network (WAPDN), a national body formed in August 2011 with the aim of members benefiting from productivity gains such as economies of scale in purchase of raw materials, sharing information on processes, and joint marketing efforts.
It is anticipated that the two new Berbice groups would participate in the first GMRP training programme for the year at the Project’s Headquarters at Cove and John, East Coast Demerara, on January 29; those selected will be expected to pass on the knowledge and skills acquired to other members of their group.
She said that the No. 64 the women’s group is being supported by the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI). The President, Vishnu Doerga, who praised the GMRP initiative, told the women that they could also rely on the UCCCI for any help necessary in establishing their group.
He was optimistic that their closeness to the Number 63 Beach, the principal tourist destination on the Corentyne, would be advantageous in the development of their future endeavours under a GMRP-supported programme.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
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