…disease threats, extreme weather continues to test resilience of industry – from Head

The Caribbean Poultry Association (CPA) has confirmed a change in its leadership following its 27th Annual General Meeting held on January 20, 2026, with the presidency and chairmanship shifting from Trinidad and Tobago to Guyana.
Managing Director of Bounty Farms Ltd, David Fernandes, was appointed President and Chairman of the CPA’s Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term. He succeeds Hamant Mahabir of Master Mix Feeds, who completed his tenure as President.
The meeting also confirmed the slate of directors for 2026, selected under the CPA’s country allocation formula. The elected members are Peter De Freitas of Chickmont Foods (Barbados), Johnathon Hart of Pinnacle Feeds (Barbados), George Kornelsen of the Belize Poultry Association, who will serve as Honorary Secretary, Christopher Levy of Jamaica Broilers Group, Matthew Lyn of CB Group (Jamaica), Julio Bhikarie of N V Veevoerfabriek (Suriname), Hamant Mahabir of Master Mix Feeds (Trinidad and Tobago), and Ronnie Mohammed of Nutrimix (Trinidad and Tobago). Dr Kieth Amiel of CB Group was appointed Honorary Treasurer.
The AGM opened with a tribute to Robin Phillips, a founding board member of the CPA from Arawak and Company Ltd in Trinidad and Tobago, who passed away in September 2025. Members acknowledged his longstanding contribution to the development of the regional poultry industry and the association.

Uncertainty and disruptions
In his final address as President, Mahabir outlined several developments that have affected the poultry sector across the Caribbean. He pointed to global and regional geopolitical tensions, which have contributed to uncertainty and disruptions within supply chains. He also highlighted the ongoing threat posed by outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, noting the risks to poultry health, industry stability, and food security.
Mahabir further addressed the impact of Hurricane Melissa, which caused extensive damage in western Jamaica, where the majority of layer farms are located. He said the event underscored the sector’s vulnerability to extreme weather and the need for improved resilience and coordination to manage both immediate recovery and longer-term climate risks.
Despite these challenges and continued competition from poultry imports from the United States and Brazil, preliminary figures indicate that regional broiler meat production increased by four per cent. This follows growth of three per cent in 2024 and reflects ongoing investments by producers to expand capacity, adopt new technologies, and meet consumer demand for fresh poultry products. The performance over the past two years aligns with the CPA’s 2023 Strategic Plan, which targets an increase in regional production of 200,000 tonnes by 2045.
In his remarks, Fernandes thanked the outgoing President for his leadership and said he would focus on strengthening the CPA’s engagement with regional policymakers and other stakeholders. He noted that particular attention would be given to advancing industry standards, including standards governing poultry meat imports.
He also highlighted the outcomes of the CPA’s technical events held in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica in 2024 and 2025, which improved collaboration among members, increased interaction with international poultry specialists, and drew attention to the role of small-scale producers. Upcoming initiatives will include targeted training programmes aimed at addressing production challenges and improving profitability for small farmers.

Development partners
The CPA is also preparing to launch a biosecurity guide for small-scale poultry producers during a webinar scheduled for March 2026, following the release of its heat stress management booklet. The association said it remains committed to addressing antimicrobial resistance within the industry.
Fernandes further announced plans for the CPA to engage development partners to initiate a regional study on the socio-economic impact of the poultry industry, following encouragement from CARICOM Ministers of Agriculture. He said the research would support evidence-based policymaking and strengthen advocacy efforts as the association works to deliver its strategic plan.