Ministry of Agriculture gets $98,237.66 boost

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), on behalf of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), presented a cheque of $98,237.66 to the Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar at the Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday.{{more}}

Chief Agricultural Officer Reuben Robertson said the money will be used to support the second tranche of payments to farmers as income support after many suffered the devastating effects of Hurricane Tomas in 2010.

Newly returning Director of NEMO Howie Prince was present at the handing over and explained that the money came through the CARICOM/Brazil cooperation program, sourced from the Disaster Support Relief Fund of Brazil.

The cheque was presented to the Minister by Deputy Director of NEMO Michelle Forbes.

The Minister emphasized the urgent need to combat the Black Sigatoka disease and pledged that the money will be used ‘purposely’ in rebuilding the banana industry and to restore national pride.