Guyana signals strong regional leadership in agriculture, ecotourism at AgroFest 2026 

On the opening day of AgroFest 2026 in Bridgetown, Barbados, Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and Agency Head of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Peter R Ramsaroop, emphasised Guyana’s expanding leadership in agriculture and ecotourism across Caricom.
On this note, Dr Ramsaroop underscored the country’s rapid growth in soy and corn cultivation, livestock expansion, and value-added agro-processing.
Backed by the tax-free agriculture framework under Budget 2026 and guided by Vision 2030, he noted that Guyana is not only increasing output – it is building scale, strengthening corporations, and positioning itself as a production anchor within the Caribbean.

In his remarks to the media, he stated, “Under the leadership of President Dr Irfaan Ali – who has taken a lead responsibility for agriculture within Caricom – Guyana has moved from commitment to execution. Food security must be driven by production, logistics, and corporate expansion. We are scaling agricultural output in soy, corn, livestock, and agro-processing, and we stand ready to work with our Caribbean partners to reduce extra-regional imports and retain more value within our economies.”
He also emphasised Guyana’s expanding ecotourism sector, highlighting the country’s vast rainforest, biodiversity, river systems, and sustainable tourism investments. He noted that ecotourism represents one of the Caribbean’s strongest growth frontiers, particularly as global travellers increasingly seek authentic, nature-based experiences.
He explained that Guyana’s jungle and ecotourism product complement the established beach tourism markets of Barbados and Saint Lucia. By aligning destination marketing, encouraging multi-destination travel, and strengthening corporate partnerships in hospitality and tour operations, the region can offer a diversified Caribbean experience that extends visitor stays and increases overall regional earnings.

“Ecotourism is not competition for beach tourism – it is a complement,” he added. “When we align our strengths, we create a stronger Caribbean brand. Guyana’s rainforest and sustainable tourism model add depth and resilience to the regional offering.”
With more than 50 Guyanese enterprises participating at AgroFest this year, Guyana’s presence reflects a broader diversification strategy – expanding corporations in agriculture and tourism, facilitating investment, and translating policy reform into measurable economic opportunity.
Ramsaroop also joined the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security for Barbados, Dr Shantal Munro-Knight, and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Climate Change for St Lucia, Lisa Jawahir, on a tour of AgroFest 2026.
The officials visited the Guyana Hub, which features displays from agro-processors, craft producers, and other stakeholders in the country’s agricultural sector.
During the tour, the two leaders discussed strategies to further strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation, support local production, and enhance investment opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing.
AgroFest 2026 continues as a platform for business engagement and regional collaboration aimed at accelerating sustainable growth across Caricom.