BELIZE’S Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management, Honourable Orlando Habet, has described Demerara Distillers Limited’s (DDL) state-of-the-art dairy farm as “a visionary, innovative, environmentally sound and community-conscious initiative” that could serve as a model for the CARICOM region.
The declaration followed an extensive tour of the facility, which included over three hours of technical exchanges on farm design, feed cultivation, waste management, and environmental impact. Minister Habet, accompanied by Belize’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Ambassador Gale Garnett, was joined by Mr. Wilmot Garnett, Country Representative of the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA), and Dr. Steve Surujbally, a Guyanese veterinarian, both recognised experts in dairy operations.
During the tour, DDL provided an overview of the project, highlighting its strategic objectives: strengthening local production capacity, reducing dependence on imported dairy products, and supporting national and regional food security. The tour was led by Komal Samaroo, Executive Chairman of Demerara Dairies Inc., who emphasised the project’s role within DDL’s broader diversification programme.
“This is a very important and innovative project for us, one that we have been developing over the past three years and where we have already made significant progress. We believe it will play a meaningful role not only in Guyana, but across the region, particularly as we advance shared food security goals and support the growth of agriculture and agro-processing,” said Mr. Samaroo.
INNOVATION, VALUE-ADDED PROCESSING, AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
Minister Habet praised the scale and technical sophistication of the project, noting that it integrates primary production with value-added processing, a critical component for enhancing food security and economic growth.
He also highlighted the project’s tangible community benefits, including the installation of electrical power lines, construction of a community centre by DDL, and government-supported infrastructural improvements such as a new bridge and paved main road. “This is an admirable demonstration of private-public co-operation,” he said.
The visit provided an opportunity to strengthen dialogue between Guyana and Belize on shared priorities, including potential collaboration in agriculture, energy, and other sectors of mutual interest, while reinforcing the importance of regional integration under the CARICOM framework.
DDL remains committed to supporting Guyana’s agricultural transformation, emphasising innovation, technical partnerships, and long-term sustainability, with the aim of contributing to a more food-secure and economically resilient Caribbean.
