-Minister Mustapha says operation will create jobs, boost economic activity in Region Six

Story and photos by Bebi Shafeah Oosman

A MAJOR investment in Guyana’s poultry industry was officially commissioned on Sunday when businessman Haji “Pampy” Ishmail opened a multimillion-dollar chicken processing facility at Lot 9 Fyrish Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

The state-of-the-art facility, which has the capacity to process approximately 1,000 chickens per hour and an estimated 8,000 daily, is said to be the largest of its kind in Region Six and the third largest in Guyana.

The investment represents a significant boost to the local poultry industry, with the potential to increase processing capacity, create employment opportunities and contribute to the country’s growing agricultural sector.

After more than three decades in the poultry industry, 57-year-old businessman Haji Ameer Ishamail, popularly known as ‘Pampy,’ said he entered the poultry industry in 1993 and that expansion has always been his dream.

Construction of the facility began in 2019, and his operations now employ approximately 200 workers.

“I love it,” he said, reflecting on his journey, while encouraging young people to “keep working hard, believe in your dream.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, who officially commissioned the facility, described the occasion as a momentous achievement, extending congratulations and best wishes to the businessman and his family on behalf of President Dr Irfaan Ali.

“Today, we are doing two things, we are commissioning a physical project that will bring benefit to mankind, and we are giving praise to Allah for granting us that blessing,” the minister stated.

Mustapha expressed particular satisfaction that the commissioning ceremony was accompanied by a Quranic function, commending Haji Ishmail for acknowledging the importance of faith and giving thanks to the Almighty for the achievement.

He noted that the occasion represented much more than the opening of another business establishment, describing it as the culmination of vision, determination and investment.

According to the minister, while the facility is expected to generate revenue for its owners, its wider significance lies in the economic opportunities it will create for residents of Region Six, particularly through employment and increased activity within the poultry industry.

He emphasised that such investments benefit Guyanese regardless of their political affiliation, race or religious background.

“As Minister of Agriculture, I am pleased to see investment of this nature,” Mustapha said, highlighting the government’s continued efforts under President Ali’s leadership to strengthen national food security and expand agricultural production.

The minister pointed out that Guyana’s agricultural transformation is not simply about increasing the quantity of food produced, but also about developing the infrastructure necessary to process agricultural products locally.

He explained that for too long, the country had relied heavily on the production and export of primary agricultural commodities, stressing that investments in processing facilities are critical to expanding value-added production.

“We do not want Guyana simply to produce more, but we want Guyana to have more processing facilities,” he stated.

Mustapha noted that the commissioning of the Fyrish facility aligns with the government’s plan of modernising agriculture, expanding agro-processing and positioning Guyana as a major contributor to regional food security.

Highlighting the growth of the poultry industry, the minister disclosed that production has increased from approximately 41,000 metric tonnes to 91,000 metric tonnes, reflecting the significant expansion taking place within the sector.

He said facilities such as the one commissioned at Fyrish will play an important role in supporting further growth by strengthening processing capacity and creating additional opportunities for poultry farmers.

Mustapha also underscored the importance of private-sector participation in Guyana’s development, noting that the government’s responsibility is to create an enabling environment in which local entrepreneurs can confidently invest and expand their businesses.

He credited the administration’s policies and investment climate for encouraging major undertakings such as the Fyrish poultry processing facility.

The minister stressed that national development must translate into tangible opportunities for ordinary Guyanese, particularly through job creation, business expansion and increased economic activity.

He further assured his audience that the government will continue making resources available to support agricultural development and encourage investments that contribute to the country’s long-term economic growth.