Gov’t rejects Winston Jordan’s rice sector remarks

The Government of Guyana has strongly rejected recent remarks by former Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who suggested that smaller farmers should exit the rice industry.

Officials described the comments as reckless and dismissive of the thousands of families whose livelihoods depend on rice cultivation.

The government highlighted the record of the Coalition Administration (2015–2020), noting that farmers were left to struggle under a policy treating rice strictly as a private business. During that period, when Panama defaulted on payments for rice supplied under the Coalition, farmers and millers reportedly received no state assistance.

In contrast, the Irfaan Ali-led PPP/C administration ensured that millers and farmers were compensated for outstanding sums owed by Panama.

Government officials also stressed that current policies have supported industry growth, expanded markets, and improved access to resources for small-scale farmers.

Rice remains a critical pillar of the Guyanese economy and a source of national pride, the release emphasized, with officials warning that dismissing small farmers undermines the resilience and contributions of the sector.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the rice industry and safeguarding the welfare of the families who depend on it.