The  Guyana Agricultural Producers Association  (GAPA)  has denounced statements by Guyana  Trades Union Congress (GTUC) General Secretary Norris Witter, claiming that he has been attempting to politicize the national response to the global El Nino phenomenon.

According to a press release from GAPA, Witter “is only intent on disparaging the efforts of the Ministry  of   Agriculture and its agencies to minimize the effects of the prevailing El Nino condition currently affecting farmers across Guyana.” GAPA, which described itself as a non-governmental organization (NGO) that provides support to the non-traditional agriculture sector, said that  it has been actively holding discussions with the Ministry of  Agriculture and  the farmers to bring relief to them. Meanwhile, the NGO said that it welcomed the $258M made available to farmers for El Nino interventions.

Farmers and others who are affected by the El Nino conditions are urged to support the countrywide efforts to deal with this national disaster and they should not to be distracted by political rhetoric, the release added.