During a press conference held by the opposition, Deputy Leader of the UWP, Guy Joseph chastised the performance of the Ministry Of Agriculture, deeming this administration’s current tenure as the worst disaster ever to hit the Banana Industry. Joseph based his assessment on the fact that the banana trade had weathered many hardships, including storms and disease, while still managing to maintain the exportation of fruit to the UK market. Yet, according to Joseph, within the first year of the SLP assuming office, that market collapsed.
Joseph also lamented the lack of foresight by agriculture officials in failing to secure a supply of packaging materials for farmers, to ensure continuity of regional trade. This he says, demonstrated the SLP’s lack of respect for the industry.
Banana growers island wide had been unable to export their fruits, due to the unavailability of packaging materials. Winera, the company which produces the cartons used in banana exportation, had announced a shutdown of its facility for a period of two weeks, for routine maintenance. During which time, regional trade came to a halt, eliciting an outcry from farmers.
Joseph rubbished claims by industry officials that the issue stemmed from the farmers’ failure to pre-order boxes, stating that the Ministry should have stepped in to secure the island’s market share.
Joseph believes that the Ministry Of Agriculture has failed the nation’s farmers, and has called for the removal of Agriculture Minister, Alfred Prosper, for mismanagement.
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