By Josiah Williams
The 25% by 2025 food security agenda for Guyana and CARICOM is poised to be a landmark achievement, according to Dennis Francis, President of the United Nations General Assembly.
Speaking at the conclusion of his four-day visit to Guyana, Francis expressed strong confidence in the initiative’s success and its potential impact on the region.
During his visit, Francis engaged with President Irfaan Ali and various sectors of Guyanese society, focusing on the food import bill reduction plan.
He emphasized that the agenda is not only about cutting foreign exchange spent on food but also about boosting food production, creating jobs, and improving the well-being of the region’s people.
“There will be no failure. There is going to be a significant achievement in the output and production of food in this region, providing a solid foundation for future growth, whether over the next 5 years or 10 years,” Francis stated.
The goal of the agenda is to expand food production and enhance regional food security.
Francis highlighted that even if the 25% target is not fully met, the progress made would still represent a significant improvement over current conditions.
Francis’s visit included a tour of the National Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), where he praised the innovative approaches being implemented to achieve food security.