Dominica invests EC$5M to reconstruct National Abattoir, enhancing agriculture production

Dominica: In a significant development, the Ministry of Agriculture signed a contract with a local firm, Regional Contractors Inc., to reconstruct the National Abattoir. The contract is valued at EC$5,004,133.03 and showcases the Government's commitment to expand the agri food system.

The expansion is being made possible through investments in major agricultural infrastructure to boost food safety standards and raise production. The duration of this project is 12 months with the contractors committed to complete it before the anticipated time.

During the contract signing ceremony, Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit addressed the gathering and said, "I'm very happy to be here to witness yet another major intervention in our efforts to bolster agricultural production in Dominica and to assure us of our food security and our ability to reduce and our food import bill and ensure that we provide, fresh, meats to our population."

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The Prime Minister said that this is a significant investment of $5 million in terms of construction and another $1.4 million in terms of additional equipment for the abattoir.

PM Skerrit noted that agriculture has received and continues to receive major injections of funds. He said all of these enhancements in agriculture are because the government recognises the importance of this sector.

While emphasising on the importance of reconstructing the National Abattoir, PM Skerrit said, "When you buy chicken parts from the abattoir, you'll guarantee that you'll get the top quality, so in terms of slaughtering and getting onto your plate, you know, talking about a few days and so one can appreciate the impact on one's health in Dominica."

He also added that for the abattoir to be successful, Dominicans had to procure the meats. PM Skerrit added that it is because when people talk about agriculture and more should be done for agriculture, "My question to them is, are you making a concerted effort to purchase locally produced items?"

Through this question, the Prime Minister encouraged the citizens and residents to consume what is grown locally.

In addition to meat production, PM Roosevelt Skerrit also highlighted the importance of expanding the tree crop sector, which includes avocados, cocoa, coconuts, coffee and citrus. He said that these tree crops would be profitable for the country and called on people to revive and invest in this sector.

Not only this, but the Prime Minister also emphasised initiatives such as the provision of $35 million to DEXIA - Dominica Export Import Agency, which was launched to provide timely payments to farmers and ensure consistent supply to markets. The Dominican leader also lauded the Agriculture Minister Roland Royer and noted, "I have the highest and absolute confidence in the Minister of Agriculture. I think he's doing a fantastic job in the ministry. And I think agriculture will go from height to height and from strength to strength." He expressed his utmost optimism in the sector's growth under his leadership.