Amidst Opposition reservation…
THE Guyana Livestock Development Authority Bill, which seeks to promote greater efficiency in that industry, was passed in the National Assembly Thursday but with the Opposition expressing strong reservation.

The legislation paves the way for the establishment of a body with the mandate to provide effective administration and trade regulation, commerce and export of livestock or livestock products and related matters.

Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, in whose name the bill was tabled, told the House it is modern and forward looking legislation, aimed at providing enhanced services in the areas of livestock husbandry, livestock health and research.

He said it is in keeping with his ministry’s wider agriculture diversification goal and will play a vital role in transforming the ever improving local industry.

Persaud said the industry has been making steady progress, over the years, compliments of the Government’s investment.

He said Guyana has moved from an importer of livestock to being self-sufficient and it is within that context the legislative framework is needed to not only regulate the industry, but to set the groundwork for consolidating and expanding on the gains.

Persaud said, although the industry has made laudable strides, there is still much room for improvement and Guyana has the potential to become a leading livestock supplier in the Caribbean and further afield.

He emphasised that the bill is pivotal to making this potential a reality, by correcting the inadequacies in the industry.

Persaud said fragmented units within the industry will be connected, ensuring greater coordination and delivery of services to farmers, processors, investors and other stakeholders.
He said the legislation was the subject of consultation and has the benefit of contributions from both local and overseas experts.

Power
But People’s National Congress Reform-One Guyana (PNCR-1G) Parliamentarian, Jennifer Wade, contended that the bill vests too much power in the Minister.

Section Two, clause five stipulates that the Minister shall constitute the Livestock Development Board, comprising of 15 directors, of whom no more than eight shall represent the Government and seven chosen by the Minister.

The seven will be from nominations submitted by associations or interest groups, including poultry producers, pig rearers, cattle farmers, agro-processors, beekeepers, traders and exporters of livestock or livestock products.

Wade said, by virtue of the minister’s excessive power over the industry, he is seeking to control an area which should be largely a Private Sector enterprise and his approach is fundamentally flawed.

She expressed concerns about section two, clause four which empowers the Minister to suspend the execution of any resolution or order of the board which, in his opinion, contravenes the provisions of the act.

That provision, Wade said, makes the minister a “control freak”, which has become a norm with this Government.

She said that PNCR-IG has no qualm with the Government establishing a Livestock Development Authority but it wants to see that body properly rationalised.

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali, in support, said the bill forms the framework to achieve the legislative goals of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), as outlined in its last manifesto.

He said it reflects the Government’s commitment to deliver on its promises to the people and serves as the platform to take the livestock sector to the next level.

Ali submitted that Guyana is well positioned to tap into lucrative overseas markets and urged the Opposition to look at the bigger picture and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Target
Alliance for Change (AFC) Parliamentarian, Sheila Holder, argued that the bill sets no effective target and her party is not prepared to take the Minister seriously.

However, The United Force (TUF) Leader, Labour Minister Manzoor Nadir defended the legislation, describing it as an “excellent innovation” that is broad- based, with no domineering hand of the Minister, as the Opposition is projecting.

Opposition and PNCR Leader Robert Corbin accused Persaud of not disclosing the real reason for the bill and said it will impose additional financial burden on livestock producers.

He claimed the legislation gives the Government leeway to exercise political control over a Private Sector enterprise.

Winding up the debate, Persaud said the proposed board will consist of a broad representation of stakeholders with the requisite technical skills, which is a pivotal requirement of all boards.

He said the Government does not have “control freaks” but responsible leaders, who carry out their duties to the best of their ability.

Persaud declared that, if the Opposition calls this responsible attitude of the Government “control freakism”, then so be it.

He maintained that the bill is not manipulative, will not encroach on the Private Sector and put additional financial bur
den on livestock producers.

Persaud said, instead, it endeavours to ensure efficiency, compliance with local and international regulations and better coordination of activities within the industry, the best days of which are ahead.