The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has warmly congratulated Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim from Guyana on his election as the next Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) for the term 2026–2030. In a formal statement, the OECS Commission celebrated this significant achievement alongside the governments and citizens of the Caribbean Community, highlighting it as a proud moment for Guyana and a reflection of the Caribbean’s pivotal role in advancing agricultural innovation and sustainable development across the Americas.
Hon. John Osborne, Montserrat’s Minister of Agriculture and Chair of the OECS Council of Ministers of Agriculture, lauded Dr. Ibrahim’s election, stating, ‘Dr. Ibrahim’s leadership exemplifies the Caribbean’s ability to shape the future of agriculture in the Americas. His career has been dedicated to integrating science, innovation, and sustainability into the lives of farmers. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with him to strengthen resilient food systems and ensure our small states continue to contribute to global food security.’
Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, described the election as a reaffirmation of the Caribbean’s global agricultural leadership. He emphasized Dr. Ibrahim’s expertise in linking agricultural transformation, environmental sustainability, and the livelihoods of small farmers—areas crucial to the small island developing states of the Eastern Caribbean.
Dr. Jules also reiterated the OECS’s commitment to partnering with IICA under Dr. Ibrahim’s leadership. Key areas of collaboration include advancing climate-resilient and technology-driven agriculture, promoting regional food and nutrition security, and enhancing institutional capacity while engaging youth in agricultural innovation. He expressed optimism about Dr. Ibrahim’s tenure, particularly as the region’s agricultural sector grapples with challenges such as climate change, food price volatility, and the need for transformative production and trade strategies.
The OECS Commission expressed confidence that under Dr. Ibrahim’s guidance, IICA will continue to exemplify technical excellence and hemispheric solidarity, paving the way for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural future for all member states.