Pres. Ali’s farm - who else close by

Pres. Ali’s farm – who else close by

Jul 09, 2026 Features / Columnists, The GHK Lall Column

Hard Truths by GHK Lall

(Kaieteur News) – Pres. Ali has contributed to the broadening story of blackbelly sheep, prime cattle, land and a mindboggling array of other rich attractions. I thank the president, commend him. Now I share some words of my own on what’s part farm, part estate, part futuristic model, part politics, part commerce, and part of many unknowns.

First, on such a gargantuan development, the president may not be the only investor and overseer. He may have company, a pantheon of illustrious names and personalities. Who else among locals, who from foreign shores, have hand and interest in this business of shrimp, shrub, and so much more that captivates the mind?

Second, for a project of this monstrous expanse, much seed money and maintenance (operational) money had to go into it. To get it going, to keep it going. From the revelations, the millions multiplied by the hundreds, then rolled into the billions. Those dollar numbers look plausible, even though on the lean and mean side. From where that money came? Who are the people with that kind of money? Those are two of the first questions that stir.

For colour, I recall how many regional and international kingmakers came to Guyana during that distressing 2019-20 time. Some were already resident here. Many Guyanese should recall how they involved themselves way beyond the dictates of protocol, etiquette, and accepted norms in Guyana’s politics and its domestic brawls. Unprecedented and highly unusual, I assert. Further, in the years since 2020, some past senior diplomatic presences have returned here in different capacities. Either as head of official delegations; or more stealthily. Probably to sidestep local radars. Do they have any proximity, any type of association, to this Great Animal Farm deep inside the Linden Highway? Were their involvements in the 2020 fiascoes part of their initial down payments? With their own spreadsheets and calculators held in reserve. Speaking for myself, I am convinced that this stunning animal farm, currently mentioned alongside his name only, is bigger than Guyana’s Pres Ali.

Third, it is surprising that there is a project with its grandiose sprawl, with all of its possibilities, is in full swing, and former president Bharrat Jagdeo is a seemingly disinterested and disengaged party. Quite abnormal for a character of his proportions, I think. And not to forget his history with projects of stature.

Fourth, all Guyana is aware of how big and committed Dr. Jagdeo and the PPP are on agriculture. The sidelines and silence do not fit into the mold. Not when there is a megaproject of this magnificence, and with agriculture and aquaculture all the rage. Not having a say, and not knowing of this way so well-mapped out, does strike differently. These are among the tips of the iceberg not yet sticking their noses above water.

Fifth, I recall that some blackbelly sheep were part of a country-to-country (Barbados to Guyana) transaction a few years back. The blackbelly sheep reported on Pres Ali’s farm: are they from that flock or some other source?

Sixth, that megafarm, a conglomerate by any reckoning, should have, as a matter of sound business practice, the export market in mind. Quality products for quality people in quality places and at quality prices. Scale is what matters. I am thinking a port and an airstrip have to be part of the farm program to complete the circle. And, considering the size of this great field of endeavor, I cannot help thinking of who, besides, President Ali, have set themselves up for some rich harvesting. Guyanese do well to hold close to this formula: 25 X 2025 + 5. I translate: Food security level by a stated deadline (now past), but with another half decade attached to accommodate delivery.

Last: what else could be in this Ali Animal Farm? Plenty, I think.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

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blackbelly sheep, GHK Lall, President Ali’s farm

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