Gov’t seeking partnership for establishment of state of the art abattoir – Minister

THE MINISTRY of Agriculture is seeking a joint venture partnership for the establishment of a state of the art abattoir in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar estimates that approximately EC$10 million is needed for such an investment.

The minister spoke to SEARCHLIGHT on Monday July 18, and responded to certain concerns raised by veteran butcher Richard Gibson. In a call to WE FM’s Issues at Hand on Sunday July 17, Gibson spoke about the need for an abattoir to be established locally and he also lamented the shortage of beef.

Caesar recalled that in 2009, the European Union had given some money to the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines. He said government was granted the sum of EC$30 million to help the agricultural sector transition after the end of preferential treatment.

The minister said part of the money was used for a consultation on possible projects to be done with the EU funds. A study for the establishment of an abattoir here was also done.

“But we did not build the abattoir,” the minister recalled.

Minister Caesar recalled that at the time, “we did not have enough animals to run a full scale abattoir.”

“You need a lot of animals to put through an abattoir,” Caesar explained. While it did not happen in 2009, Minister Caesar confirmed that “the abattoir is still on the table.”

However, this time around, it will be a joint venture establishment and not fully owned by government.

Apart from studies and consultation, Minister Caesar said the EU money was also used to import sheep and goats which were distributed to farmers locally.

In his call to the WE FM programme, the Gibson Corner butcher expressed frustration and spoke of the possible closure of his business.

Gibson complained about the shortage of beef, and his inability to meet the demand for beef burgers