Guyana: Mohamed Claims Cattle Entered Without Clearance; Ministry Denies Wrongdoing

Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has made allegations regarding the entry of about 300 cattle from Brazil into Guyana without proper clearance. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the shipment is part of a legitimate national program.

The political dispute began when Mohamed released a video on Saturday, claiming that the cattle crossed from Boa Vista, Brazil, through Lethem and were being transported toward Linden under questionable circumstances. He alleged that the animals bypassed border security and received no clearance from public health officials or the Guyana Revenue Authority.

According to Mohamed, the cattle were being moved in a convoy of trucks along the Lethem-to-Mabura road, with each truck carrying about 30 cows. He stated that the heavy transports damaged the trail, causing disruptions for bus drivers and commuters.

Furthermore, Mohamed claimed that the cattle were intended for a 150-acre mega-farm and abattoir in Region Five, where they would be slaughtered, repackaged as local meat, and sold at premium prices to major buyers, including Chinese supermarkets, the Guyana Defence Force, and the Guyana Police Force. He suggested that the destination was altered once those involved became aware of monitoring.

Mohamed also raised concerns about biosecurity, warning that unscreened cattle from Brazil could introduce foot-and-mouth disease, posing a threat to local livestock and pastures.

In a late-night statement, the Ministry of Agriculture rejected these claims, stating that the 300 cattle are not contraband. The Ministry clarified that the animals are the first shipment in a planned importation of 1,000 pregnant heifers under the National Herd Expansion Programme, aimed at strengthening Guyana’s beef and dairy sectors.

The Ministry indicated that the cattle were sourced from the Brazilian supplier Coopera and that the procurement process was evaluated through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board. Four bids were received, including one local and three international offers, with the final contract price set at G$245,000 per pregnant heifer. The Ministry also confirmed that the cattle underwent all necessary veterinary health inspections, testing, and quarantine protocols prior to export.

According to the Ministry, the official final destination for the animals is the Breeding and Research Centre at Ebini, Berbice River. Despite the government’s denial, the controversy escalated on Sunday when Mohamed released another video targeting the administrative leadership of Region Nine. The dispute has now expanded into a broader discussion regarding border control, procurement, biosecurity, transparency, and the movement of livestock through the region.

Source: hgptv.com