President Ali wants Region Five to be the livestock capital of CARICOM

President Irfaan Ali today revealed that his Government’s vision is to make Mahaica-Berbice
(Region Five) the livestock capital of CARICOM as Guyana continues to lead agricultural
development and food security at the Regional level.
Ali said that to achieve this, he stressed the need to increase production, quality, technology and
infrastructure. The president gave assurance that the process has begun, while launching the
Black Belly Sheep Project at the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary Agricultural Development
Authority (MMA-ADA) in Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice.
The project, Ali explained which would aid Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five) farmers and
bolstered its ruminant industry, has a special focus on women and youth development. President
Ali made it clear that the venture, which has so far attracted 80 farmers with land, must be led by
at least 20 per cent female farmers with at least 35 per cent youth involvement (farmers 35-years-
and-under). “This is part of building the future. This is part of empowerment. These are real
targets and a real approach in the involvement of people.  Not only must agriculture be about
food production, it must be built on erasing biases. Agriculture must demonstrate that it has the
ability to create an equal society,” Ali said.
LOW-HANGING FRUIT
The Head of State disclosed that although it will take some amount of investment and effort to
advance the project, it is a “low-hanging fruit” with tremendous potential. Ali noted that Guyana
imports approximately 18 metric tons of mutton annually, which costs roughly US$130,000.
This market, he said will be absorbed by Region Five, while significant attention will be placed
on the regional markets and, in due time, the international market.
President Ali noted further that the CARICOM market, according to the President, is worth
approximately US$48M with 7900 metric tons imported annually from Australia and New
Zealand. He said that the idea, is to build capacity to ensure that within the next five years,
Guyana is producing enough mutton to supply most of the region’s needs.
Ali pointed out Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, the Bahamas and Barbados as the region’s top
consumers of mutton and mutton products and spoke of the importance of getting into those
markets. He pointed out that Barbados, is already on board. A joint project between the sister
nations will see Guyana supplying Barbados with mutton.
Ali explained that although the black belly sheep, originally cross-bred on the island, is native to
Barbados, space and other logistical issues have resulted in the island importing approximately
1000 metric tons annually, at a cost of US$6.8M for its residents and tourists. As such, to kick-
start the Black Belly Sheep Project in Region Five, 1000 breeding black belly sheep will arrive
from Barbados in the next two weeks.

The President said his Government will lend great support to the initiative, but farmers are tasked
with ensuring that their lands have the needed grass for the animals. “I want to assure you that
we in the Government will be side by side with you on this journey,” he urged.
UAE VISIT
Barbados is one of a number of nations that are interested in Guyana’s agricultural potential.
The President disclosed that his recent visit to the UAE focused on agriculture and the
importance of food security. “I just came back from the UAE, and 90% of the conversation with
the leadership and the private sector was not on oil and gas—90% of the conversation was on
food security and agricultural diversity and production,” he explained.
Ali pointed out that three of the largest State-backed establishments in agriculture/food
production, the Emirates Future Group, the Al Dahra Group and Elite Group, have expressed
their interest in Guyana. President Ali pointed out that neighbouring Brazil is one of the largest
exporters to that region and that Guyana is also looking to get into the markets. “We have all the
competitive advantages here. It is now catalysing it into action and bringing it to the fore so that
the benefits can rebound to the country,” he shared.
The Head of State also spoke about plans to create a large-scale poultry hatchery and egg
production project in Pakuri Village and other initiatives, including swamp shrimps, to help grow
all facets of agriculture in Guyana. “These are the initiatives that are transformative in nature.
These are the initiatives that will propel the economy; these are the initiatives that will bring
direct benefits to the farmers and enhance our diversification programme.  These are some of the
initiatives that will ensure that our economy is built on many pillars,” he added.