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| Aaron Hodge pineapple farm at Newton Ground |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, MARCH 6TH 2006 - Owners of hotels, supermarkets and restaurants have been urged to purchase locally-grown fruits, meats and vegetables from local farmers so that they can make a living from the thriving tourism industry.
St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas made the appeal following complaints by farmers during a recent visit to local farms that they are experiencing difficulties in selling their produce to some of the hotels and supermarkets.
"This is an opportunity for me to make a special appeal to our business persons, especially those who are owners of supermarket and grocery stores.
I also make a strong appeal to the management of our hotels to do what is right and allow our small farmers to have an opportunity to live, as the tourism industry flourishes and expands here in St. Kitts and Nevis," said Dr. Douglas, who is also the Minister of Tourism.
"Sit down with the farmers. If you can't do it yourselves or if you can't do it directly with the farmers, the Department of Agriculture has the relevant Extension Officers and marketing persons who can assist the farmers in negotiating with you in terms of the purchasing of your produce," urged Prime Minister Douglas.
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| Keithly Armstrong's guava patch at Greenhill |
"All that we are asking is that you give them a fair opportunity to make a living as you are making a living," said Prime Minister Douglas, who along with Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Cedric Liburd visited farms growing watermelons, guavas, papaya, onions, peanuts, pineapples and apples. Pig and mutton producers were also visited.
