About Us

Message from the CEO

From the commencement of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority GLDA in 2010 to present there has been a positive evolution of our livestock industry. Major investments by government into the livestock sector facilitated the development of improved breeds of cattle, swine and sheep.

During the 2021 floods many of our livestock farmers suffered tremendous loss of revenue, infrastructure, cattle, livelihoods and ecosystems. The GLDA was tasked with rebuilding and resuscitating the industry. Financial assistance, and donation of stock materials were provided to farmers though the Government of Guyana.  Breeding bulls were imported to revitalize our Bull Rotation Program, broilers and black giant chicks, duckling piglets, rams and feed stock were all distributed to those affected.

As a team, we work collaboratively in the best interest of our stakeholders as we provide guidance and expertise needed to ensure that the best choices are made to sustain livelihoods and   to enable maximum returns on investments. We will continue to work holistically with our farmers to ensure that our livestock industry remains viable and ready to meet the growing demand of the extractive sectors with the production of improved quantity and quality meat and meat products.

H.E President Irfan Ali’s vision of 25 percent by 2025 is totally understood by the GLDA and we are more than ready to pledge our support in achieving this vision. while grappling the global effects of climate change the practices of our livestock farmers need to be revolutionized to ensure that our livestock industry becomes an exceptional prototype.  

We have served diligently over the last 12 years and we look forward to continue collaboration with our farmers, government, stakeholders and staff to serve the livestock industry.

Dr. Dwight Walrond
CEO, GLDA

WHO WE ARE

The Guyana Livestock Development Authority comprises a team of qualified, experienced and dedicated employees, governed by a Board of Directors who reports to the Hon. Minister of Agriculture. The administrative arm of the GLDA is headed by The Chief Executive Officer supported by Deputy Chief Executive Officer and other Heads of departments: The Animal Health Unit which integrates The Quarantine, Epidemiology, Animal Welfare and Traceability and the Veterinary Services Laboratory, The Animal Production Unit which includes ; Nutrition, Pasture Development, Swine, Poultry, Beef and Dairy Cattle, Small Ruminants, Duck Unit, Apiculture (Bee) Unit , Hatchery Services, Extension Services, Mon Repos Livestock Farm, Ebini Livestock Station, Genetic Improvement Unit, Research Department, Human Resource Department, Finance Department, Internal Audit Department and Monitoring and Evaluation Unit. The total staff complement is 250 employees stationed in 9 administrative regions of Guyana and official ports of entries.

The operations of the GLDA are strengthened through collaborations with regional and international partners such as: Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture IICA, Pan – American Health Organization PAHO/WHO, Food & Agriculture Organization FAO, Partner of the Americas, Caribbean Agriculture Health & Food Safety Authority CAHFSA, Caribbean Agriculture Research & Development Institute CARDI, CARICOM, OIE-WHO, other government Ministries and Agencies of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Animal Health Unit

The Quarantine, Epidemiology, Animal Welfare and Traceability and the Veterinary Services Laboratory

Animal Production Unit

Nutrition, Pasture Development, Swine, Poultry, Beef and Dairy Cattle, Small Ruminants, Duck Unit, Apiculture (Bee) Unit , Hatchery Services, Extension Services, Mon Repos Livestock Farm, Ebini Livestock Station

Genetic Improvement Unit

Research Department

Human Resource Department

Finance Department

Internal Audit Department

Monitoring and Evaluation Unit

Our past CEOs and Chairmen

Dr. Dindyal Permaul

Chief Executive Officer 2010-2015

Mr. Patrick DeGroot

Chairman- Board of Directors 2011-2012; 2015-2016

Dr. Colin James

Chairman Board of Directors- 2013-2015

Mr. Madanlall Ramraj

Chairman Board of Directors 2020-2023

Dr. Steve Surujbally

Chairman Board of Directors 2010-2011

Mr. Ricahrd Cumberbatcah

Chief Executive Officer 2015-2020

What we do

GLDA, s team supports the vision of reducing regional food imports by 25 % by 2025, as we purpose to ensure that our livestock industry thrives. GLDA provides the services of animal welfare, animal health, animal husbandry, animal nutrition, farmers’ knowledge, experience and education, genetics improvement, artificial insemination, embryo transfer, hatchery and laboratory Analysis, beekeeping, trade facilitation (imports and exports of wildlife and companion animals), import of meat and meat products and Agriculture/ animal extension.

Contact US

Our technical team provides expert advise and guidance to our stakeholders through field/farm visits, specialized trainings and organized awareness sessions, conducted with the aim of educating about new and innovative farming practices to effect climate smart Agriculture and resilience. The health status of our livestock population is ensured with diagnostic, ambulatory and disease surveillance services offered by our veterinarians as preventative and control measures against emergence of zoonotic diseases such as Avian influenza / Bird flu, African Swine Fever.


RESOURCES