One day after, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha reported that the Government has yet to decide whether to grant permission for the importation of chicken to meet growing local demands, he later stated that a decision was taken to temporarily lift the ban to import chicken. Speaking with other sections of the media, the Minister related that the importation of chicken will be allowed for the next few weeks, as requested by the producers who assured him that they will be able to meet the local demand within the next 4 to 6 weeks. This came on the heels of a meeting with representatives from the Guyana Poultry Producers Association (GPPA) and the Minister to discuss the current shortage.

Highlighting market trends showing a decline in production levels coupled with an increase in demand for chicken, the GPPA officials sought the Government ‘s assistance in facilitating the temporary importation of chicken to help meet market demand. However, Mustapha stated on Thursday that he has yet to decide on the request. According to him, any decision will balance the interests of all stakeholders, including consumers and poultry producers, as well as the long-term sustainability of the industry. In fact, he has ordered an assessment of the current supplies in the local industry before deciding on the matter.

During the July 28 engagement, the GPPA representatives noted that the temporary importation of chicken would assist in maintaining stable market prices during the period of reduced supply and assured that once local production returns to normal levels, there would be no need for continued imports.