Guyana Government Denies Banning Importation Of Fruits And Vegetables

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, October 22, 2019 (CMC) – The Guyana government, today, denied imposing a ban on the importation of fruits and vegetables into the country.

It said that contrary to “false reports in some sections of the media, it has no policy whatsoever, with regard to the banning or restriction on the importation of any fruits or vegetables”.

“These false reports were brought to the attention of Cabinet at its meeting, today, and Cabinet reiterates that it is in favour of free trade and does not wish to impede the choice of consumers on the local market,” the David Granger-led coalition administration said in a statement.

It said that through the Ministry of Agriculture, it will continue to support local farmers, and seek additional overseas markets for their produce, in addition to advancing the agro-processing agenda.

“Cabinet also reminds that several Guyanese companies export seafood, fruits and vegetables and other produce to CARICOM and international markets, which contribute to foreign exchange earnings and provide jobs for thousands of Guyanese,” the statement argued.

It noted that importation of produce into Guyana is subject to known licensing requirements and procedures of the Guyana Revenue Authority and other relevant agencies, adding “these have been in place for years”.