Shining a light on the outstanding successes and key developments of our members.
The Caribbean Poultry Association (CPA) held its 27th Annual General Meeting on January 20, 2026. In accordance with its governance guidelines, the Presidency and Chairmanship shifted from Trinidad and Tobago to Guyana. David Fernandes, Managing Director of Bounty Farms Ltd., will serve as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors from 2026 to 2028, succeeding Hamant Mahabir of Master Mix Feeds.
The 2026 directors were confirmed according to the country allocation formula. Elected members include Peter De Freitas (Chickmont Foods, Barbados), Johnathon Hart (Pinnacle Feeds, Barbados), George Kornelsen – Honorary Secretary - (Belize Poultry Association), Christopher Levy (Jamaica Broilers Group), Matthew Lyn (CB Group, Jamaica), Julio Bhikarie (N.V. Veevoerfabriek, Suriname), Hamant Mahabir (Master Mix Feeds, Trinidad and Tobago), and Ronnie Mohammed (Nutrimix, Trinidad and Tobago). Dr Kieth Amiel (CB Group) will serve as Honorary Treasurer.
The meeting began by acknowledging the invaluable contributions of Mr. Robin Phillips, a founding CPA board member from Arawak and Company Ltd (Trinidad and Tobago), who passed away in September 2025.
Outgoing President Hamant Mahabir provided an overview of recent developments that have had significant effects on the regional poultry industry. He highlighted global and regional dynamics, including ongoing geopolitical tensions, which have introduced uncertainty and disruptions within the sector. Mr. Mahabir addressed the challenges posed by outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, emphasizing the risks to poultry health and the broader implications for industry stability and food security.
He also pointed out that Hurricane Melissa caused significant destruction in western Jamaica, where most layer farms are found. The storm exposed how vulnerable the industry is to severe weather, emphasizing the need for resilience and effective coordination to address both immediate and future adverse climatic events.
Despite challenges and competition from imports from the USA and Brazil, preliminary data show broiler meat production rose by 4%, up from 3% growth in 2024. This reflects producers' investments to expand capacity, use new technologies, and consumers’ preference for fresh and wholesome poultry products. The performance over the last two years is in line with the main goal of the CPA’s 2023 Strategic Plan of increasing production by 200,000 tonnes by 2045.
Mr. Fernandes thanked the outgoing President for his leadership and pledged to continue to strengthen the CPA, drawing on his industry experience and guidance from the directors, who collectively have paved the way for the evolution and success of the Region’s largest and most developed agro-industry.
He stated that from the inception he would focus on strengthening the CPA’s collaboration with regional policy makers and the wider stakeholder community in supporting the advancement of industry standards, especially for poultry meat imports.
The achievements of the CPA's 2024 and 2025 technical events in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica have significantly strengthened member relationships, increased engagement with global poultry specialists, and highlighted the vital role of small-scale poultry producers. Moving forward, upcoming initiatives will focus on targeted training programs designed to address production challenges and improve profitability for these farmers.
Following the publication of a booklet on heat stress management, the CPA will launch a new biosecurity guide tailored specifically to small farmers during a webinar scheduled for March 2026. Additionally, the organization is committed to addressing issues related to antimicrobial resistance.
Prompted by the endorsement from CARICOM Ministers of Agriculture to assess the socio-economic impact of the poultry industry—following their review of results from Jamaica's study—Mr. Fernandes stated that CPA will engage developmental partners in initiating a regional study. This research aims to support evidence-based policy formulation in the sector.
The new President pledged to work closely with the Secretariat to support the association’s advocacy work and deliver its Strategic Plan.
