Relief for flood-affected Corentyne farmers

Scores of farmers in communities across Corentyne, Berbice, currently affected by flood waters, will soon benefit from relief following an intervention by the government.

Prime Minister Brigadier (retired), Mark Phillips and Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Wednesday met with the flood-affected residents from Yakusari, Johanna, Mibicuri and Lesbeholden and Black Bush Polder.

According to a Ministry of Agriculture statement, Minister Mustapha committed to sending a machine to each village to assist with clearing the back drains. He told residents that the machines would remain in the villages until the works are completed.

The Agriculture Minister also told residents that the ministry would be assisting farmers who suffered losses as a result of the flooding.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Phillips told residents that officials from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) would return to the area on Saturday to commence distribution of flood relief hampers.

Heavy rains over the past few days and high tides have resulted in several farming communities in villages along the Corentyne Coast experiencing flooding.

Many farmers, who attended the meetings on Wednesday, told the officials that crops have been severely destroyed. Poultry farmers also related that they too experienced losses as a result of the flooding.