Mennonites have a reputation for forming colonies in the most isolated jungles of Central and South America. Despite tenaciously adhering to its religious principles, the organization has carried out extensive agricultural initiatives, which have raised issues with land rights and deforestation.
The Mennonites, a religious sect that has caused significant deforestation in Latin America in the last ten years, are currently searching the Berbice region, particularly the vicinity of Ebini, seeking land to purchase.
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The group intends to construct and operate corn and soya fields in the neighboring Guyana, with financial support from investors from Suriname and Argentina.
According to a recent article by the internet portal Mongabay.com, the group is led by Terra Invest Guyana and Suriname, a firm comprised of investors from Argentina and the Netherlands that was established in 2021.
According to the article, the firm represents the Mennonites in negotiations, and last year, its founders traveled to Guyana to look for property for the religious community. Here, the organization is aggressively searching for land for the Mennonites.
“It looked at the region of Upper Demerara-Berbice and East Berbice-Corentyne with the hope of purchasing plots larger than 5,000 hectares (12,400 acres) for “long-term” ownership,” a media report stated.
When the press media contacted Ruud Souverein, the director of Terra Invest, he noted that Guyana has “good land” for farming. The Dutch billionaire stated that the company does not currently have any “concrete plans” and is merely looking into the possibility of purchasing land in Guyana.
When asked if the business discussed its plans with the Guyana government, Souverein gave a negative response. The news media noted that the organization is allegedly trying to finalize an agreement to invest in a project related to agriculture here.
Reiterating the company’s focus on the Berbice region for its agricultural endeavors, Souverein said that this is because of the area’s great soil potential. “We think in Guyana’s east,” he stated, stressing that the region is ideal for the group’s agricultural project, particularly in Ebini. The merchant stated, “There is very good land for agriculture but till now we don’t find land what is for sale and have normal international prices.”
Speaking well of the Mennonites, Souverein pointed out that their farming methods will strengthen the industry and lower the nation’s need for food imports while also boosting output. He stated, “It could help Guyana produce, export food, and help reduce the import in Caricom.”
The Mennonites will produce milk, beef, fowl, grains, soy, and maize, according to the Dutch industrialist.
The non-governmental organization Amazon Conservation Team, Suriname, which has representatives in Guyana, was represented by Ben D’Leon, who declared, “This is serious business.” He told Mongabay media, “They’re possibly aiming to use pristine forest to make their agricultural lands.”
In a statement released in June 2023, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) raised concerns about the repercussions of Mennonites’ departure for land rights and deforestation.
The WWF noted, “Based on evidence from other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), the Community will use these lands for agriculture development, accelerating deforestation and potential conflict with the Indigenous People who relate with these forests.”
Furthermore, the WWF noted that “the income from large-scale agriculture, developed by the Mennonites, benefits the organization and the necessities of the community.”
The conservation agency claims that although it is appreciated, “as a boost to the local economy, there are increasing concerns over biodiversity loss, irreversible deforestation, forest fires, and friction with indigenous and tribal peoples over land rights and corruption.”
Similar to the Amish, the Mennonites are followers of the Anabaptist faith. They are well-known around the world for leading traditional lives that frequently exclude them from contemporary conveniences like the Internet.
While they have similar beliefs, their lifestyles differ mostly in how they employ contemporary methods of subsistence. The Mennonites are allowed to drive, in contrast to the Amish. Unlike the Amish, they are also allowed to utilize electricity in their houses and possess home phones.
