Opposition group visits farmers

Farmers from the constituency of North Central Windward were visited recently by the Leader of the Opposition and other senior members of the NDP as part of a programme to reach out to farmers who are currently grappling with a severely diminished banana industry.{{more}}

Arnhim Eustace and NDP Shadow Minister for Agriculture Roland Matthews were joined by Nigel Stephenson, Vynnette Frederick, former Minister of Agriculture Allan Cruickshank and Former Minister of Health Burton Williams along with the Chairman of the party Linton Lewis and Research Officer Addison Thomas on the visit which took place on Wednesday April 25.

A release from the NDP said farmers were pleased to meet and speak with the group who travelled over dilapidated feeder roads through Park Hill, Byera Valley, Belle View and Congo Valley and heard stories of monies owed and outstanding to the farmers, an industry which is buckling under the pressure of mismanagement and the absence of money on the part of the government.

“Farmers complained about the absence of income support and a credit facility. The NDP continues to reach out to farmers as it calls on the government to respond to the crisis in bananas by leading a regional mission to secure new markets and opportunities in the UK where we already own infrastructure for bananas around which diversification into other produce can happen,” the release said.

According to the release, the NDP’s mission into the banana belt will continue with impromptu visits by the parliamentary caucus and other members from time to time.