Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Tuesday joined President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali at the opening of the 52nd Ordinary Meeting of the South American Commission for the Fight against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (COSALFA).
In delivering opening remarks, Minister Mustapha said that hosting COSALFA 52 forms part of Guyana’s broader commitment to strengthening veterinary governance, expanding diagnostic capacity, and improving the country’s national surveillance architecture.
“We see this meeting as an opportunity to deepen collaboration, accelerate technology adoption, and ensure that every country, large or small, has the systems needed to protect its livestock sector,” he noted.
Meanwhile, delivering the feature address, President Ali underscored that, at a time when the region is seeking to reduce its dependence on imported food, Guyana’s disease-free status enhances confidence in its agricultural systems, supports investment, and serves as an important line of biosecurity protection for neighbouring states.
The Head of State added that vigilance, while essential, is not sufficient on its own and must be complemented by stronger systems to ensure resilience.
“We must build systems that are proactive, interconnected, and resilient to shocks, both biological and geopolitical,” President Ali explained.
Guyana last hosted COSALFA in 2008.
