Caribbean News
Farmers will not be paid less than $4,000 for a bag of paddy this crop – Min. Mustapha
Turks and Caicos, Tuesday March 4, 2025 – GPI – Following weeks of negotiations between H.E. President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Guyana Rice Development (GRDB), and local rice millers, an official agreement was inked today that will see rice farmers receiving no less than $4,000 for a bag of paddy for the first crop of 2025.
This was disclosed by Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, during a meeting with rice farmers from Mahaica.
During the meeting, Minister Mustapha told the farmers that President Ali had engaged the rice millers on several occasions after farmers
raised concerns about the prices being offered for paddy for the current crop.
“The President engaged the millers on several occasions to determine how we can work together to keep the price of paddy at a stable rate. The millers were a bit reluctant to maintain the last crop’s price because they said it is being influenced by the world market price. Today, we were finally able to reach an agreement where the millers will not purchase farmers’ paddy for less than $4,000 per bag. This means we’ll also have to make a contribution. We did it before, and we’ll do it again. Like any other responsible government, we are always ensuring that we bring relief to people. The farmers know that this government, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, has and will always ensure farmers get a fair deal,” he explained.
His Excellency, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during his address at the 55th Republic Anniversary Flag Raising Ceremony, said rice production has increased significantly and that the government has been investing to upgrade the infrastructure to support enhanced production and ease the burdens on farmers.
“Guyana’s agricultural sector has achieved significant milestones. Rice production has expanded, with more than 227,000 acres under cultivation producing more than 600,000 metric tonnes annually, supported by high-yield seed varieties. Over $70 billion has been spent on improving infrastructure to support enhanced production, higher yield, and ease to the burdens of our farmers. As a government, we will continue to evaluate global situations, including price changes and price differentials, and you can be assured that this government will work towards making necessary adjustments so that our farmers will not be burdened and will not feel the weight of changes in the international trading and market conditions,” President Ali noted.
Minister Mustapha also disclosed that for the first crop of 2025, approximately 230,000 acres of land were cultivated, and approximately 9,000,000 bags of paddy are expected to be harvested. He also said that rice production for this year is projected to be 804,000 metric tonnes.
He told the farmers that the government has been making the necessary investments to transform the agriculture sector, adding that this PPP government has never abandoned or neglected farmers.
“Over the last four years, we’ve transformed the agriculture sector and the rice industry. You all can recall that when the price for paddy was down and the millers were reluctant to pay farmers a particular price, we abolished the sales commission. That was over $498 million. President Ali met with the millers, and instead of paying that money to the GRDB, it was paid to the farmers. On two occasions, we gave farmers almost $2 billion in fertilizer. We are making seed paddy available; we are building the infrastructure. We gave flood relief. This government has not abandoned you, so do not be tricked by those who want to take advantage of a global situation for political gain. This government never promised farmers $9,000 for a bag of paddy and then said rice was a private business. We never increased the cost of land rentals and D&I charges. These are the things we have to remember,” he noted.
In 2024, rice production surpassed its target and reached an all-time high of 725,282 metric tonnes, representing a record-breaking milestone in the country’s agriculture sector.
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Anguilla, March 22, 2025 – The new premier of Anguilla is historically, a woman, Cora Richardson-Hodge, who led her Anguilla United Front (AUF) to a dominating victory of at the polls in the February 26 General Election in the British Overseas territory; gaining four seats and 49% of the vote.
When she addressed the nation from the House of Assembly on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 as the newly sworn-in Premier, her focus was on commitments made on the campaign trail; to build a more inclusive, dynamic and sustainable Anguilla.
“Our primary goals include: economic diversification. We recognize the need to move beyond traditional industries, and by investing in areas like renewable energy, technology and agriculture we can create a more resilient economy that offers opportunities for all,” said Richardson-Hodge.
Young people are also a priority, said Premier Richardson-Hodge who reminded of the AUF’s ‘People First’ plan.
“Our youth are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are valuable contributors to our present and the architects of our future. They are innovators, dreamers and change makers. However, for them to flourish, we must prioritize their needs and aspirations that is our People First agenda places their needs at the forefront.”
Mentorship programs are coming, so is investment in business ideas to broaden the commercial landscape of the island nation, she said.
“We will establish initiatives, that support young entrepreneurs in their business endeavours by providing mentorship programs, access to
funding and training in business development. We aim to foster a generation of entrepreneurs who can create jobs and drive economic growth in Anguilla.”
The Premier wants to modernise education and resuscitate healthcare for the 16,000 residents of Anguilla.
“We pledge to improve educational facilities and transform our healthcare services into institutions of which we can be proud.”
Responsible tourism is also prioritised for the new AUF Government administration. Renewable Energy is elevated in the new regime, she said.
In her maiden speech, she informed Anguillans that their involvement and solidarity are essential.
“Governance is not just for the appointed, it is for every Anguillan, and we will establish regular forums for community feedback and consultation, ensuring that your voices guide our decisions.
To achieve these ambitious objectives, unity is essential. We must come together, government officials, business leaders, civil society and most importantly, the people of Anguilla,” said the representative for Sandy Hill, a 15-year MP.
Premier Richardson-Hodge reached across the aisle with her words, inviting the members opposite her physically to be tied to a better Anguilla, bi-partisanly.
“It is time to transcend political divides and collaborate for the greater good. Let us focus on what binds us together, our love for Anguilla and our committee for a brighter future for our families and our children. And as we embark on this journey, I urge each one of you to join us in embracing this People’s first agenda. Each one of us plays a vital role in shaping the future of Anguilla. Let us work side by side as partners in progress as we reclaim our narrative and craft a legacy that future generations will be proud of.”
The AUF won eight of the 11 seats with the outgoing Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) headed by now former premier Dr Ellis Webster, winning the other three seats. Webster was among the victorious candidates for his party.
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Trinidad and Tobago, March 22, 2025 – From the energy minister to the Prime Minister and now a general election set for April 28 already announced; it has been a whirlwind week on the political scene for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Dr. Keith Rowley did as was expected when he stepped down as the country’s prime minister, after ten of service in that role. Taking on the job of chief executive in governance is Stuart Young, an attorney by profession and the man who has held several ministerial portfolios including Energy, Communications and Security.
One day after becoming the Prime Minister, Stuart Young made headlines again when he demonstrated a readiness to receive a clear
mandate from the nation’s voters and announced a national poll.
In addition to the election announcement, Young has re-organised the Cabinet. He has named Camille Robinson-Regis, an attorney as the new Attorney General; Adrian Leonce is now the Housing Minister; Marvin Gonzales, is the new Security Minister and shifted from the Ministry of Finance is Colm Imbert, who now takes up the Public Utilities portfolio.
It was just days into the new year when Keith Rowley announced his successor as Stuart Young.
Young had been selected, he said, by the Parliamentary Caucus of the People’s National Movement (PNM) as the party’s next leader.
Young has also served as National Security Minister and Communications Minister and is the eighth prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago.
Nomination Day is April 4, 2025.
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