Over the past several days, there has been a deliberate attempt by political actors to mislead the Guyanese public about the operations of the Onverwagt Abattoir and the work of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA).
The claims that the Onverwagt Abattoir is not functioning, is underutilized because of corruption, or has been abandoned are completely false and are intended to create unnecessary alarm and undermine public confidence in the agriculture sector.
The Onverwagt Abattoir remains operational and continues to provide slaughtering and related services to livestock farmers. To date, the abattoir has produced 112,000 K.G Beef, and butchers are charged a minimal fee of $3,000 per cattle to slaughter. The cattle processed at the facility were supplied primarily by farmers from Regions Four, Five, Six, Nine and Ten, while limited quantities originated from Bon Fin, Brazil, through approved and lawful importation channels. These are verifiable figures and demonstrate that the facility is functioning and contributing to the growth of the sector.
Like any public facility, its level of utilization depends on market demand, seasonal livestock supply, and the choices made by producers. The Government has continued to invest in improving livestock infrastructure and expanding opportunities for farmers rather than allowing these facilities to deteriorate.
Equally false are the allegations that cattle are dying across the country while the GLDA is doing nothing. The GLDA maintains an active veterinary surveillance programme, provides extension services, disease monitoring, vaccination campaigns, diagnostic support, and emergency responses whenever cases are reported. Livestock production, like every agricultural activity, faces occasional challenges, but to suggest that the Authority is absent or indifferent is a gross distortion of reality.
During the past months, the GLDA surveillance department has provided services to a total of 1,137 farmers, and a total of 34,076 animals received animal welfare intervention and relief efforts. It is unfortunate that individuals have chosen to engage in what appears to be political grandstanding instead of working constructively with farmers. Genuine concerns affecting livestock producers should always be reported through the proper channels, where they are investigated professionally and addressed promptly. Using misinformation and sensationalism for political gain serves neither farmers nor the development of the livestock industry.
Under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, Guyana’s agriculture sector has experienced unprecedented investment and expansion. The Government has invested billions of dollars in drainage and irrigation, farm-to-market roads, livestock development, black giant poultry, genetic improvement programmes, veterinary services, shade houses, aquaculture, mechanization, and direct support to farmers across every region of the country.
The Ministry has consistently demonstrated that its priority is improving production, increasing farmers’ incomes, strengthening food security, and positioning Guyana as a regional leader in agriculture. These achievements are visible throughout the country and are recognized by farmers who have benefited directly from these interventions.
The Government remains committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. If anyone possesses credible evidence of wrongdoing, there are established institutions where such matters can be reported and investigated. Reckless accusations made for political headlines cannot replace facts.
We encourage the public to reject misinformation and judge the Government by its record of delivery. The Ministry of Agriculture will continue to work with livestock farmers, invest in modern facilities, strengthen veterinary services, and build a resilient agriculture sector that benefits all Guyanese.
(GUYANA LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY)