Guyana: APNU Questions Intentions Behind Cattle Importation for Ibini Farm

The APNU has raised questions about whether hundreds of imported pregnant cattle were originally intended for the Ibini cattle farm. The cattle have been stranded at Ibini Landing in Region 10 for over 72 hours. APNU Parliamentary Lead Dr. Terrence Campbell, along with Members of Parliament Sherod Duncan and Saiku Andrews, visited the landing where they observed approximately 25 trucks loaded with Brazilian heifers unable to cross the Berbice River.

Dr. Campbell stated that no suitable barge had been arranged to transport the trucks to the Ibini cattle farm. He expressed concerns regarding the government’s planning, questioning if Ibini was always the intended destination for the cattle. According to Campbell, personnel from the Ministry of Agriculture informed him that they were only made aware of the cattle’s arrival at the last minute, which left them little time to prepare for the transfer.

Campbell noted, “What we are seeing here is evidence that no planning has been in place for the arrival of these cows.” He further questioned why preparations for the crossing, including the use of an excavator to modify the riverbank for a barge landing, only began after the animals had already arrived.

He called for Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha to account for the situation. Additionally, Campbell raised concerns about the condition of the pregnant heifers, which had traveled a long distance from Brazil. He mentioned reports of some animals dying and warned that prolonged delays and transportation stress could lead to further losses.

Campbell estimated that each animal cost around G$245,000, bringing the total shipment value to approximately G$75 million. He also questioned the decision to import another 300 cattle, citing information suggesting that the Ibini farm was already facing inadequate pasture, staffing shortages, and reports of livestock losses.

Andrews echoed Campbell’s concerns, questioning whether the cattle were genuinely meant for Ibini. He argued that if officials were aware of the shipment, proper logistical arrangements should have been made in advance. He pointed out the trucks lined up at the landing and a barge that had not yet started offloading, stating, “Clearly no preparation has been made.” Andrews also claimed that activity at the site increased only after the APNU delegation arrived, with trucks being moved while the cattle remained on board.

This visit is part of APNU’s broader scrutiny of the government’s agriculture program, following recent controversies regarding agricultural investments and land management. The Ministry of Agriculture has not yet publicly responded to APNU’s claims. APNU is calling for a full explanation regarding the planning behind the importation, the condition of the animals, the costs incurred due to the delays, and the measures being taken to safely transport the cattle to their intended destination.

Source: hgptv.com