A visiting Belizean minister has described a state-of-the-art dairy farm in Guyana as “a visionary, innovative, environmentally sound and community conscious initiative” that could serve as a model for the CARICOM region.
The declaration followed over three hours of technical discussions and a detailed review of the farm’s design, feed cultivation, waste management, and environmental impact.
Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) hosted Belize’s Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management, Orlando Habet last Saturday, for a tour of its Moblissa farm along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.
The tour also included Wilmot Garnett, Country Representative of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and Guyanese veterinarian Dr Steve Surujbally, both experienced in dairy operations.
Minister Habet, accompanied by Belize’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Ambassador Gale Garnett, received an overview of the DDL dairy project, a strategic investment aimed at boosting local production, reducing imports, and supporting national and regional food security goals.
Executive Chairman of Demerara Dairies Inc., Komal Samaroo, said the project is central to DDL’s diversification programme and designed to meet local and regional demand for milk and dairy products.
“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,” Samaroo said.
Minister Habet added: “What stands out is the scale and level of innovation behind this initiative. It is not only about primary production, but also value-added processing, which is critical for food security and economic growth. This is the kind of project that can serve as a model for the region as we deepen collaboration across sectors.”
He also praised the community benefits, including DDL’s installation of electrical power lines, construction of a community centre, and government-led building of a new bridge and paving of the main road. “This, he said, is an admirable demonstration of private/public cooperation.”
The visit also provided a platform for dialogue on future collaboration between Guyana and Belize in agriculture, energy, and other areas, highlighting the importance of regional integration under the CARICOM framework.
DDL said it remains committed to advancing Guyana’s agricultural development and supporting a more sustainable and food-secure Caribbean.
