– Agriculture Ministry rejects allegations of livestock sector neglect

The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has strongly rejected allegations that the Onverwagt Abattoir is non-functional, underutilised due to corruption, or abandoned, describing the claims as false and politically motivated attempts to undermine public confidence in the country’s agriculture sector.
In a statement issued through the Ministry of Agriculture, the GLDA said the Onverwagt Abattoir remains fully operational and continues to provide slaughtering and related services to livestock farmers across Guyana. The authority disclosed that the facility has produced a total of 112,000 kilograms of beef to date, with butchers being charged a fee of $3,000 per animal for slaughtering services.
According to the GLDA, cattle processed at the abattoir were supplied primarily by farmers from Regions Four, Five, Six, Nine and Ten, while smaller quantities originated from Bon Fin, Brazil, through approved importation channels.
“The claims that the Onverwagt Abattoir is not functioning, is underutilised because of corruption, or has been abandoned are completely false,” the authority stated, adding that the allegations were intended to create unnecessary alarm and discredit ongoing efforts within the agriculture sector.
The agency explained that, like any public facility, the utilisation rate of the abattoir is influenced by factors such as market demand, seasonal livestock supply and the business decisions of producers. It noted that the Government has continued to invest in livestock infrastructure and support systems rather than allowing facilities to deteriorate.
The GLDA also dismissed allegations that livestock are dying across the country without intervention from the authority, describing such claims as a “gross distortion of reality.”
The authority said it maintains an active veterinary surveillance programme and provides a range of services, including disease monitoring, vaccination campaigns, extension support, diagnostic testing and emergency response interventions.
According to figures provided by the GLDA, its surveillance department has delivered services to 1,137 farmers over recent months, while 34,076 animals benefited from animal welfare interventions and relief efforts.
The authority expressed concern over what it described as attempts by political actors to exploit challenges facing the livestock industry for political gain, arguing that legitimate concerns should be addressed through established reporting channels to allow for proper investigation and response.
The statement further highlighted what it described as significant investments made by the Government under the leadership of Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha to expand and modernise the agriculture sector.
These investments, according to the GLDA, include billions of dollars allocated to drainage and irrigation systems, farm-to-market roads, livestock development programmes, black giant poultry initiatives, genetic improvement projects, veterinary services, shade houses, aquaculture, agricultural mechanisation and direct support to farmers nationwide.
The authority said these initiatives have contributed to increased agricultural production, improved farmers’ incomes and strengthened national food security, while positioning Guyana as an emerging regional leader in agriculture.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Ministry of Agriculture urged individuals with credible evidence of wrongdoing to utilise the appropriate investigative and regulatory channels rather than resorting to what it termed “reckless accusations” for political purposes.
The GLDA said it remains committed to working with livestock farmers, strengthening veterinary services, investing in modern agricultural infrastructure and building a resilient agriculture sector that benefits all Guyanese.