Ali says Region One paying too much for food, blames transport costs

President Dr. Irfaan Ali says he is disappointed that government investments in hinterland aviation have not translated into lower transportation costs, warning that expensive freight continues to drive up food prices for families in Region One. Speaking during a public outreach in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, the President said transportation remains one of the biggest contributors to the high cost of living in riverine and hinterland communities. “When we examine the cost you are paying for chicken, beef and other important food items, it is clear that transportation is driving prices in the marketplace,” Ali said. He revealed that discussions with residents, village leaders and shop owners consistently pointed to freight costs as the main reason food remains expensive. “We are very disappointed in the aviation sector because we have not been able to get the corresponding return on the investments that we are making.” Ali said the government will now develop a comprehensive plan to address transportation challenges after the Region One outreach concludes. Among the ideas being explored is a cargo service linking Charity and the Moruca sub-region, allowing food and other essential goods to be transported at lower cost. The President said he envisions young entrepreneurs operating the service under a business model that combines commercial viability with social responsibility. “It must be beneficial to the community while still beneficial to the business owner,” he said. He also stressed that reducing food prices will require increasing local agricultural production. The government, he said, is looking to expand poultry farming and other agricultural projects through the Guyana Development Bank, enabling communities to produce more of the food they consume rather than relying on imported supplies. “If we produce the food here, we minimise the transportation costs,” Ali said.