New opportunities will be available for Pomeroon farmers with the forthcoming $880 million Charity wharf under construction.
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, on Monday, said the construction of the new facility is critical to maintaining and expanding economic activity in Region Two. He stressed that the government does not want to shut down commerce, but rather strengthen it by providing safe, modern infrastructure.
“When you come to Charity, you must be able to land safely, move your produce safely, and return safely,” the minister said.
He also said that these improvements are part of a wider effort to protect people’s livelihoods and investments.
The Charity Wharf, which is currently under construction, will allow vessels transporting agricultural produce from the Pomeroon River to dock safely. According to Edghill, farmers bringing their goods to Charity will benefit from a new stelling designed to improve loading and offloading, reduce risk, and ensure smoother movement of produce to market.
Edghill also highlighted that the government’s focus on infrastructure also includes sea defence works, which go beyond preventing overtopping of seawalls. He said these projects are aimed at stopping saline water from entering farmlands, ensuring farmers can continue to cultivate their crops, homes are protected, and economic investments are not destroyed.
Opportunities for farmers will be expanded through improved transportation and port facilities. The government is preparing to launch a boat service that will help transport produce out of the Pomeroon, directly supporting the operations of the new Charity Wharf.
“When we deal with sea defences its not just about blocking the seawall, but its about preventing the saline water gtting into the land because the farmers must be able to farm.. people’s homes must be safe and their economic investment must be safe,” the minister said.
Edghill also touched on developments at Parika, where a modern deep-water port facility is under construction.
The Parika terminal is being designed to accommodate larger vessels and will serve as a major hub for farmers travelling from Parika, Hubu and surrounding areas.
“It is from the Parika terminal that we want to engage with the CARICOM trade – opening a market for our farmers. The Parika toll will have immigration, customs,” he said.
The minister said the Parika facility will include immigration and customs services, positioning it to engage directly in CARICOM trade and opening regional markets for local farmers. Discussions are also ongoing between the Ministry of Public Works and the Fisheries Department to establish storage and packaging facilities at the terminal, allowing produce to be inspected and prepared for international shipment.
Edghill also referenced the government’s procurement of 100,000 street lights nationwide, emphasising that improved lighting is part of a broader citizen security strategy. He said when communities are safer, people are more willing to invest and participate in economic activity.
“People’s investments must be safe,” Edghill said.
The post New opportunities for farmers as multipurpose Charity wharf under construction appeared first on News Room Guyana.
