Investment aims to strengthen agricultural sector, regional food security
IN response to the government’s initiative to reform food security and enhance the delivery of quality and affordable halal meat to local and regional markets, the Sheriff Group of Companies has announced a multimillion-dollar investment in a “one-stop-shop” meat facility.
Managing Director, Ameir Ahmad, highlighted the motivation behind this significant investment in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle.
Ahmad credited President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s food security initiatives as the driving force behind their decision.
“As part of the private sector, I am very inspired by the developments that our President and his government are doing for Guyana. Whether it is in infrastructure or any other sector, he leaves the doors wide open for businessmen like myself to be a part of it,” Ahmad remarked.
Since President Ali’s tenure began in 2020, there has been a strong push for Guyana to achieve food security through agricultural advancements. Ahmad expressed confidence in this vision, noting that the country is well on its way to becoming the “breadbasket of the Caribbean.” This progress inspired the Sheriff Group to invest in a facility aimed at providing both high-quality and low-priced meat.
The facility, known as the Greenfield Meat Processing Plant, will be located in Diamond, East Bank Demerara. It will feature modern technology and adhere to the highest sustainability and food safety standards. Ahmad emphasised that the facility’s establishment is anticipated to significantly boost their capacity to offer premium meat products both locally and across the Caribbean. The plant is expected to be operational by the end of the year.
Ahmad elaborated on the strategic deliberations behind the US$10 million investment, highlighting President Ali’s strong ties with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the potential economic benefits. “Deciding to invest US$10 million in a facility doesn’t happen overnight; we had to sit down and look at this investment from every angle and business perspective to see if it was worth it. Looking at the president’s relationship with the CARICOM countries, pushing for inclusiveness, and promoting food security, we knew that it was a wise investment.”
Expressing gratitude for the supportive business environment fostered by President Ali, Ahmad stated, “It is not every day that you get a leader who makes way for all of his people and who creates opportunities for businesses like ours; for that, we are grateful.”
Looking to the future, Ahmad shared that the Sheriff Group of Companies has several other investments planned. Despite the challenges of managing multiple projects simultaneously, the company remains committed to its core objectives. “Our main aim is to make a profit through our investments and to help in the development of our country,” he explained.
Ahmad took pride in the fact that over 90 percent of the company’s employees are Guyanese, underscoring their commitment to national development and employment creation.
“Whether it is with the meat plant, our healthcare facilities, the security firm, our construction company, or any other of our businesses, we are physically helping in developing our country and also helping our people through the creation of employment,” he concluded.
With the Greenfield Meat Processing Plant set to commence operations soon, the Sheriff Group of Companies continues to play a pivotal role in advancing Guyana’s food security and economic growth.
