– similar facility planned for TimehriBy Ursulla RamdayalThe Guyana Marketing Corporation yesterday commissioned a new cold storage facility at Parika that should enable farmers to keep their produce fresh while awaiting delivery.General Manger of the New Guyana Marketing Corporation Nizam Hassan observed that one of the objectives of the facility is to maintain the ‘cold chain’ required for the produce, and ensuring that fresher produce reaches the buyer. Additionally, a fresh produce pack house will be established at Timehri. Produce could be processed there before export.Chairman of GMC Geoffrey DaSilva stated that a programme conducted by the GMC will see field workers in the farming communities of the Essequibo islands and other nearby communities, ensuring that farmers get overall comprehensive information and assistance to form market links.He stressed on the importance of this work, adding that it is essential to the functioning of the facility.Adding that farmers will now have the opportunity to development as business people, DaSilva pointed out that there will be increased support for the farmers to develop their businesses.Mr. Ron Webster,Cheap Jerseys Wholesale, CEO of Caribbean Containers Inc., said his company will provide a development discount to produce being exported. Stating that this will be implemented immediately, Webster said however, that the packaging must clearly state that the contents are the products of Guyana.Minister Robert Persaud told farmers that the Timehri facility, which will supplement the one at Parika, is part of a $17m agreement between the Guyana and Venezuela governments. He explained that the two facilities will increase the country’s ability to increase its export of fresh produce. He pointed out that while the Timehri location will serve as a base for export by air, the Parika Packhouse will be the base for regional export by sea.
