Barticians demand urgent action to uncontrolled cattle grazing in township

The Bartica United Youth Development Group (BUYDG) is calling on the Government of Guyana, the Mayor’s office, and relevant authorities to urgently address the ongoing issue of uncontrolled cattle grazing in Bartica. This issue has been a persistent concern for local residents, both before and after Bartica was granted town status, and continues to worsen despite previous efforts to address it. 

Over the years, numerous complaints have been made regarding cattle grazing on roadways and private properties. These concerns were brought to the forefront when former Mayor of Bartica, Mr. Gifford Marshall, convened a meeting with cattle owners, encouraging them to form a registered cattle body. During this meeting, Mr. Micah Williams, then president of BUYDG, 

made several recommendations on how the newly formed body could function to address the issue. The Mayor also proposed establishing designated grazing zones for cows, as they were identified as the primary problem. Despite these efforts, the situation remains largely unresolved, with the problem exacerbating over time. 

In addition to cows, goats and sheep are also grazing freely, damaging residents’ crops, gardens, and property. This has caused significant financial losses and ongoing frustration among local property owners. The uncontrolled cattle situation not only affects the comfort and safety of residents but also poses a severe hazard on the roadways, creating dangerous conditions for all road users. 

The Bartica United Youth Development Group (BUYDG) is deeply concerned about the growing number of accidents and fatalities on Guyana’s roadways, which has been a point of focus for BUYDG, with the group recently making a number of recommendations aimed at improving road safety. As such, BUYDG emphasizes that Guyana cannot afford to add hazardous elements, such as roaming livestock, to its already strained road safety situation, particularly in Bartica, a registered town. 

Many residents have expressed concerns that the cattle are often left unattended, with the owners seemingly absent until something goes wrong. This neglect further aggravates the issue and highlights the need for better regulation and enforcement. BUYDG recommends that all cattle be branded for clear identification and that owners take full responsibility for managing their animals. 

During the meeting mentioned above, Mr. Micah Williams, former BUYDG president, recommended that cattle owners, now forming a registered cattle body, should seek a plot of land from the government to create a fenced, secure grazing area. This proposal was made with the understanding that such a solution would allow owners to maintain full control over their cattle while addressing the concerns of affected residents and road users. Additionally, this would prevent theft of the animals, as they would require constant supervision within the fenced area. 

In light of these ongoing concerns, BUYDG calls on the PPP/C government, the Mayor of Bartica, and all relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to resolve the issue of uncontrolled cattle grazing in Bartica. The group stresses that while this matter affects local residents, it is essential to find a solution that balances the needs of cattle owners with the safety and well-being of the entire community. 

BUYDG’s Recommendations for Addressing the Cattle Grazing Issue: 

1. Establish Designated Grazing Zones: Create designated, managed grazing zones specifically for cattle, goats, and sheep to prevent animals from wandering onto roads and private properties. 
2. Registration and Licensing of Livestock: Implement a formal registry for cattle and other livestock, enabling authorities to track ownership and manage grazing rights effectively. 
3. Fencing of Grazing Areas: Construct proper fencing around designated grazing areas to contain the animals and prevent them from entering residential areas and roadways. 
4. Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch educational campaigns to inform livestock owners about the importance of controlling their animals and the potential hazards posed by free-roaming livestock. 
5. Collaborative Engagement with Cattle Owners: Foster dialogue with livestock owners and encourage the formation of a Cattle Owners’ Association to oversee proper management and regulation of grazing. 
6. Government Support for Livestock Owners: Provide assistance to livestock owners in maintaining grazing areas and securing land, ensuring the transition to designated zones is feasible for all parties involved. 

PB: Please find attached evidence of 6 photos of cows in the roadway in Bartica, as reported by a concerned resident. 

BUYDG urges swift and comprehensive action from the government, the Mayor’s office, and all relevant stakeholders to resolve this pressing issue and protect the safety and well-being of Bartica residents. The group remains committed to collaborating with all parties to implement solutions that are fair and beneficial to all.