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South Rupununi hard hit by rustling
Cattle rustling has become a major problem in South Rupununi, Chairperson
South Rupununi cattle farmers are complaining of heavy rustling in that Region Nine area.
of the District Toshaos Council, Patrick Gomes, says.
The problem is now threatening the sustainability of cattle business in South Rupununi, especially in Wapichan communities.
According to Gomes, Brazilian ranchers cross the Guyana-Brazil border illegally to graze their herd, whenever the Takutu River is dry, and oftentimes leave with cattle belonging to local farmers.
With cattle rearing a major economic activity for those communities, the constant rustling is affecting the industry’s viability and ranchers are facing financial hardships.
Gomes explained that the Wapichan communities, with a population of about 8,000 persons, it is not unusual that each household has about two heads of cattle. In addition, there are several ranchers who conduct their business on a medium scale.
The Toshao claimed that repeatedly the occurrences of rustling are reported to the Lethem Police Station but ranchers always told them that the station does not have a vehicle for ranks to conduct patrols.
He added that these issues were raised at different forums with government officials, and at the National Toshaos Conference, but nothing is being done to secure ranchers’ livelihoods.
Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, has admitted that cattle rustling is a big problem in communities close to the Guyana-Brazil border, which is porous.
He emphasized that while the Agriculture Ministry is concerned about the health of the animals; rustling is beyond the Ministry’s jurisdiction and is a law enforcement responsibility.
In terms of the health implications for the animals, Dr. Ramsammy asserted that Guyana is certified free of foot and mouth disease which affects cattle. As such, since it is alleged that Brazilians are rustling the animals, then local cattle are not threatened.
He assured that the Ministry is trying to address the issue by monitoring local animals.
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