What’s up with this beef, who’s running cow?

Dec 18, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,

Who does not know that Guyana has been sold down the river? It’s not as if the alphabet soup of decision-makers remains unknown. They know who they are, and they know what they are doing, or should I say, continue to do. Unfortunately, recent developments consistently, constantly, and consciously remind me of these dire facts. One recent development is the implementation of genetically modified bulls into our meat supply. Your 16 December 2022 issue published an article titled “30 cattle farmers to benefit from breeding bulls” especially caught my attention. After reading this article, I could not help but wonder if now comes the time when the alphabet soup thinkers demand that we hold on to their meat.

While the introduction of these GMO animals may be laudable to some, the consequences could be dire for all. From your reporting, it seems that some brilliant mind(s) convinced others that these Texas bulls will help to improve Guyana’s herds. The introduction of these bulls for our cows seems a grand idea. Perhaps this is a metaphorical moment. Maybe, just maybe, we will realize and start seeing that we are being screwed. Maybe, just maybe, we will finally stop hearing the gobshite. Maybe, just maybe, we will come to our senses when we touch and smell the obscurantism.

Editor, I am far from being qualified as a biologist, let alone a geneticist. But what I do know is that when a bull copulates with a cow, successful breeding leads to offspring with the genetic material of both parents. From a simple mind, my query is not complex. Are these genes being manipulated for disease resistance, growth enhancement, or other kinds of manipulation? Will the offspring be considered and owned by Guyanese? I am most concerned if the offspring will be able to reproduce successfully. And, if that is the case, then who owns the beef? Maybe a Solomonic scenario surfaces. Other questions can be raised, but those will have to be done by more brilliant minds. One I do hope to be raised is the question relating the arrangement between government and the farmers. For example, “Will farmers have to sign an agreement? Because these animals are the property of the State and can be retrieved at any time.” Editor, this reminds me of the Indian rice farmers who were forced into deep debts and penury by big agri. I rue the day that you may publish an article, “Handling seeds lead to suicide.”

Editor, speaking of handling seeds, the government needs to think through their actions and how they carelessly wrap their fingers around our affairs, especially behind closed doors. We need to know who has our interest balanced against when we need self-care. Maybe those who continue to craft Guyana’s economic future want us to hold on to their meat. Editor, I am not holding onto anyone’s meat, but I will beg the question: Will they eat our beef, while we hold on to their meat?

Respectfully,

Les Archer

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