Greater mutton production in Caribbean could see $8.9B earned yearly- Pres. Ali

President Dr. Irfaan Ali (third from right) responding to questions from a local journalist during his press conference on Sunday (Photo: Latchman Singh/ Office of the President/ March 6, 2022)

Importantly, however, President Ali said that this expansion could earn the two countries US $43 million (or GY$8.9 billion) annually; it is also expected to generate about 4,500 direct and indirect jobs.

The News Room also understands that Suriname is also targeted for this initiative. Since 2019, there have been reports that Barbados is interested in rearing more black belly sheep in Guyana and Suriname.

The effort to increase regional mutton production is part of President Ali’s lauded proposals presented to a recent CARICOM Heads of Government Summit to boost regional food security and cut the massive food import bill.

With President Ali outlining how countries can significantly expand their food production, thereby adding to the volume of food produced in the region, Prime Minister Mia Mottley had reasoned that private sector-led investments will be crucial.

As such, she highlighted that a regional investment conference will be held in Georgetown, Guyana from May 19 to 21, this year.

President Ali confirmed that this conference is indeed billed for Guyana but importantly, he disclosed that it is expected that individual countries would outline what incentives can be provided to private investors.

Altogether, CARICOM is seeking to cut its more than US$4 billion food import by 25 per cent by 2025. Guyana has the lead responsibility for agriculture in CARICOM.