President Irfaan Ali said that Guyana is prepared to remove all obstacles to accelerate and expand opportunities with Barbados as the two countries advance together.
The Head of State made the disclosure at a site visit to the proposed location for the Guyana-Barbados Food Terminal in Lears, St Michael, Barbados, over the weekend. President Ali said that the aim of expanding and improving opportunities and cooperation between the two countries is to enhance the livelihoods of citizens of both countries. He noted that “right after this visit, we are going into a working session to not only look at solutions but to set timeframes and deadlines. The electorate holds us accountable at the end of a period. We have to hold people accountable too.”
In addition to the food terminal, Barbados is also developing another catchment pond right next to the facility. This project, the President said, provides additional opportunities which include the production of shrimp, tilapia and catfish among other seafood. At the launch of Agro Fest, 2022 on Friday in Barbados, the Guyanese Head of State had stated that the food terminal will create an international transhipment hub, which can result in food moving from Barbados to other Caribbean islands and even to Miami.
Prime Minister Mottley also made brief remarks. She said that the food terminal would allow the country to store at least 45 containers and will allow for packing, processing and storage. It is also expected to allow for blast freezing for seafood production and processing.
President Ali was joined by the Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha; the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Honourable Oneidge Walrond and other government representatives.
