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| (left to right) Mr. Michael Beck, Minister of Agriculture, the Hon Malcolm Guishard, Mr. Jonathan Chin and Mr. John Allen |
Charlestown Nevis (July 23, 2004) A delegation from Natural Sweet Corporation based in Canada paid an official visit on Thursday 22, to the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon Malcolm Guishard at his office, at Marion Heights.
Mr. John Allen, Honorary Consulate for St. Kitts and Nevis in Canada, headed the delegation of three. They spoke to the Minister of Agriculture about the possibility of harvesting Stevia on the island. The other two members were Mr. Jonathan Chin and Mr. Michael Beck of Natural Sweet Corporation
Minister Guishard told the government information service that the administration was looking at the possibility of cultivating stevia. He said, “Stevia is a natural sweetener which can be used to replace sugar cane. We have looked at this as a worthwhile venture and we are continuing to explore the possibilities of working with Natural Sweet Corporation to have this product grown and harvested on Nevis.”
Speaking on behalf of the corporation, Mr. Chin said, “The product that we have here, use no less than 300 times sweeter than sugar. Another thing that we have found is, that the land that you have here is suitable to grow Stevia. All things being equal, we expect to have three crops a year, and that would help Nevis’ economy in no small measure.”
Mr. Allen noted that Natural Sweet Corporation was registered in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, and that it would be the key private organisation working in conjunction with the various governments to develop and commercialize Stevia.
“It speaks to the level of confidence the international business community has in St. Kitts and Nevis and it certainly says something about our political stability, about our work force which is quite capable to get involved in major international ventures which would bring a greater level of prosperity to both islands,” commented the Honorary Consulate.
The production is expected to bring over 300 jobs in its first year of harvest. It has applications of zero calories, its all natural, can be used in beverages, carbonated drinks, seasoning of foods, snacks, wines and also non food products as well, according to the Natural Sweet Corporation delegates.
