Region Three REO solved Hague rice farmers’ water woes

Dear Editor,

For the past two weeks, rice farmers from the upper Hague settlement rice cultivation area have been making demands for drainage of their rice fields through our main irrigation canal, which has been a disadvantageous request to those of us at the lower end of the settlement because the irrigation canal passes through the entire settlement from south to north. While this would facilitate the needs of the farmers who planted the 90 days variety of rice; we in the lower end planted 120 days varieties, which is in the flowering stage and needs irrigation water. So, to drain the irrigation system means putting over 1000 acres of rice in danger. There was a ‘standoff’ between the upper and the lower end rice farmers.

And here is when Mr Dennis Jaikaran, the REO of Region Three and his regional engineers intervened by calling a meeting with both factions at the Hague settlement government school. After listening to both sides, he advised the farmers to apply rationality and reality and help him find a solution to resolve the issue. The REO, with his affirmative posture, said that he needed suggestions on the way forward as both sides have some degree of merit. His intervention and articulation brought some semblance of quiet. He further said that he and his engineers are fully poised to accede to any logical request to bring an end to the issue on a short-term basis.

Many suggestions and requests were advanced and the REO, in his mitigating efforts, agreed to clean the clogged irrigation trench in order to lower the volume of water so that the upper end rice farmers can get rid of the unwanted water in their fields. The logistics of this task was then put in the hands of Mr Ganesh Mahipaul, the operations officer. This exercise would last for one week; only then will normal irrigation resume in order for us at the lower end to satisfy our water needs. Thus ended a confrontation that could have descended into dangerous confrontation.

The timely intervention of the REO and his engineers is laudable. All the rice farmers of Hague settlement wish to extend their gratitude for the wisdom and exceptional commitment of Mr Dennis Jaikaran and his personal intervention. The excavators were on the spot the very next day, and the planned operations began the following day.

Hail to a remarkable gentleman with a trustworthy character and an astute administrator.

Let peace prevail and let production go forth.

Yours faithfully,

Ganga Persaud (Bobby)