Guyana: VPAC Requests Information on Cattle Imports Under National Herd Expansion Programme

The Ministry of Agriculture in Guyana is facing inquiries regarding the recent importation of cattle as part of the National Herd Expansion Programme. The Vice President’s Advisory Council (VPAC) has requested detailed information about the initiative, including its cost, purpose, and the procurement process involved.

In a public statement, VPAC acknowledged the efforts of the Leader of the Opposition and other Members of Parliament for highlighting this issue. The organization emphasized that discussions should progress beyond merely confirming the arrival of the cattle to examining the planning and public expenditure associated with the programme.

Central to VPAC’s concerns is the question of policy clarity. The organization has urged the Ministry to publish the official document outlining the National Herd Expansion Programme and to clarify how the cattle imports align with the Government’s broader livestock development strategy. Additionally, VPAC seeks to understand the rationale behind the selection of specific cattle breeds, questioning whether they were chosen based on their suitability for beef or dairy production, resilience to Guyana’s climate, genetic improvement potential, or a combination of these factors.

VPAC has also raised questions regarding the communities receiving the cattle, including how these communities were selected, the criteria used for their selection, and whether local residents were consulted prior to the arrival of the cattle. The organization noted that while importing livestock is a significant aspect of the programme, ensuring the health and productivity of the animals is equally important.

To this end, VPAC is requesting information about the training, veterinary care, infrastructure, and ongoing support that will be provided to the communities involved. Furthermore, the organization has called for the publication of all veterinary, quarantine, and biosecurity records, including relevant certificates and supporting documents, to ensure that proper safeguards were adhered to during the importation process.

Procurement practices are also under scrutiny, with VPAC asking the Government to disclose competitive tender records, bids, evaluation reports, and contract awards related to the cattle importation. The total cost of the programme remains unclear, prompting VPAC to request a detailed breakdown that includes expenses for purchasing and transporting the cattle, veterinary services, infrastructure, and any long-term support commitments.

Beyond immediate financial considerations, VPAC is seeking measurable targets for the programme, including the number of farmers or communities expected to benefit, anticipated results over time, and the criteria for evaluating the programme’s success. The organization argues that these inquiries are essential for ensuring accountability in agricultural policy, asserting that the Guyanese public deserves transparency regarding the direction of the agricultural sector, the utilization of taxpayer funds, and the potential long-term benefits for farmers and rural communities. VPAC has called on the Ministry to respond directly and substantiate its answers with verifiable records.

Source: hgptv.com