By Josiah Williams
December 13, 2024
Charity, located in Region Two, is set to be transformed into a significant export hub with the construction of a state-of-the-art, one-billion-dollar port facility.
The announcement was made by President Irfaan Ali during an outreach to Charity residents on Thursday.
The port facility, part of a broader development vision for Essequibo, aims to enhance the region’s role in agro-processing, tourism, and exportation.
The project is expected to boost competitiveness, align local production with Caribbean markets, and create opportunities for farmers and agro-processors.
Export processing zones, which are industrial estates focused on manufacturing goods for export, will be integrated into the facility.
Farmers will have access to a new world-class packaging and storage center, which will extend the shelf life of their produce and link directly to the port.
The government is also investing in raw material production to support the port’s agro-processing capabilities.
Currently, an additional 1,000 acres of coconut cultivation is underway, while 10,000 cocoa plants will be distributed to the Pomeroon next year to revive the cocoa industry.
Plans are also in place to reintroduce coffee cultivation, with 300 acres earmarked for the crop.
To ensure exports meet international standards, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) will establish a presence in Charity, enhancing the quality and competitiveness of goods shipped from the region.
This modern facility represents a significant step forward in boosting economic activity in Region Two, positioning Essequibo as a key player in international trade and agriculture.