Striving to meet the needs of all farmers

Dear Editor,
In response to a letter published in the Guyana Times edition of August 26th, 2020, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) wishes to make the following statement:
Management engaged its regional vets and other staff members, and the following was noted:
Training venues are dependent on the topics to be discussed and the proposed methodology for their execution. For the year 2020, prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, four large training activities were undertaken in Region Six. Of these four activities, three were held at the Guyana Police Force Training Centre in New Amsterdam, and one was held at the # 54 Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Office.
I wish to point out that training packages are developed by our Extension Department after consultation with farmers/stakeholders and our regional staff. Region 6 is one of the largest Regions of our country, and has a striving livestock sector. For that reason, two veterinarians were assigned to the Region. Unfortunately, due to a large backlog of livestock-related court cases, the presence of a vet is needed. Management has since engaged Regional staff, and systems have been put in place for one of our livestock officers to attend to the needs of farmers while our vets are otherwise occupied.
In relation to the allegation of medication being dispensed in syringes, no veterinarian employed by the GLDA owns an animal pharmacy.
GLDA will continue to strive to meet the needs of all farmers in all 10 administrative Regions.

Sincerely,
Dr Dwight Walrond
DCEO, GLDA