PM urges moderation in consumption of fast food in SVG

Are Vincentians eating too much KFC and other fast foods?

This is the question on the minds of many persons, including Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

He raised the issue last Saturday while delivering the feature address at the opening of the new temporary clinic at South Rivers.

The Prime Minister recalled a conversation he had with a man last September while attending a meeting of the United Nations in New York.

Gonsalves said while there, “a man asked me what is the national dish of St Vincent and the Grenadines?”

In response, Gonsalves said he sought to clarify if the question related to before or after the arrival of the KFC franchise in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Prime Minister said if it was before KFC, the answer could have been breadfruit and saltfish, stuffed Robin, or any other local dish.

However, Gonsalves said if the question refers to after the arrival KFC, “I have to tell you is KFC.”

Gonsalves said this situation is not only true to St Vincent and the Grenadines, but also in other Caribbean states, including Trinidad and Tobago, where there is an abundance of local dishes.

While he is not discouraging Vincentians from eating KFC, the Prime Minister is promoting moderation in doing so.

“You have to do these things in moderation,” he stressed.

Gonsalves said that apart from fast food, we have local foods that can be prepared for good nutrition.

However, whether it is KFC or local foods, Gonsalves is appearing to Vincentians to listen to their nutritionists.