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Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Pearnel Charles Jr (centre) in discussion with Special Projects Coordinator Yolando Gibson (left) and Courtney Cole, Chief Technical Director - Special Projects, at the Ministry's Hope Gardens offices in St. Andrew.
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & FISHERIES
NEWS RELEASE
January 14, 2022
Charles committed to rebuild, strengthen and expand agriculture sector
Newly minted Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Pearnel Charles Jr, has expressed his commitment to rebuild, strengthen and expand the agricultural sector.
“This Ministry will be instrumental to Jamaica achieving sustainable growth and will drive the country’s economic recovery from this devastating pandemic,” said Charles.
While acknowledging the enormity of the task, Charles said, “I am adequately prepared to use all of my experience, knowledge and skillsets to the benefit of my ministry.”
Among the priorities outlined by Charles in rebuilding the sector is the enhancement of the sector’s research and production capacities in order to ensure that local demand for food is satisfied and that there is an increase in exports of produce and value-added products to the international market.
The Agriculture and Fisheries Minister also said that special emphasis will be placed on rekindling relationships with international partners, like Japan, with a view towards expanding the opportunity to introduce innovation into the agricultural sector.
Noting that the issue of praedial larceny has been a barrier to attracting investors, especially youth and women, into the sector, Charles stated that another key initiative will be a renewed focus on the implementation of praedial larceny prevention strategies.
He was speaking with heads of agencies and senior managers within the Ministry at a virtual meeting held on January 13, where he expressed confidence in the team describing it as ready, competent and passionate.
The Agriculture and Fisheries Minister said he was committed to working with the team and that he and his colleague minister, Franklin Witter, stand ready to make sure that the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is not just one of but is the best Ministry in the Government of Jamaica.
For his part, State Minister Franklin Witter said that in spite of the challenges being experienced worldwide in respect of food security, he was looking forward to working with the various stakeholders to ensure that Jamaica can feed itself.
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