A commercial blender was, on Saturday, handed over to the Barabina Hill Agro-Processing facility in Region One (Barima-Waini), thereby fulfilling a commitment made by the Government during the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, which ended on Friday. The blender was presented to the Chairperson of Barabina Hill, Andre Prince, by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha following a request made on Thursday during an interactive engagement with village leaders at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

The agro-processing facility, which was constructed by residents of Barabina Hill, is currently being outfitted with the necessary agro-processing equipment through funding from the Ministry’s Hinterland Development Programme.

It is expected to play a key role in adding value to agricultural produce from the community, with pepper sauce identified as its first product. Speaking during the simple handing-over ceremony, Mustapha said the blender forms part of the Government’s continued support to further equip and modernise the facility, allowing it to become fully operational. He also announced that washroom facilities and other necessary equipment and inputs will be added to complement the processing plant and improve its functionality. Chairperson Andre Prince expressed appreciation to the Minister for responding promptly to the community’s request and for the commitments made during the NTC Conference.