Dominica to reconstruct National Abattoir, fostering food production and quality

Roseau, Dominica: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Blue and Green Economy of the Commonwealth of Dominica is all set to reconstruct the National Abattoir in order to improve food safety standards and increase food production. The administration has signed a contract with the local firm, Regional Contractors Inc to fulfil their agenda of expanding food production in the island nation.  

The contract is valued at EC$5,004,133.03 which sheds light on the Government’s unwavering commitment and dedication towards the expansion of the agri-food system through investments in key agricultural infrastructure.

During the ceremony of signing the contract, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit expressed gratitude for witnessing the major intervention in the administration’s efforts to bolster agricultural production in Dominica.

He shared his vision of enhancing the agriculture sector by ensuring food security, reduction in food import bills and offering fresh meats to the entire population.

PM Skerrit shed light on the investment of the project and stated that this is a major investment of $5 million in terms of construction and another $1.4 million will be utilized for the additional equipment for the abattoir. 

While emphasising the few components of the intervention, PM Skerrit noted that Agriculture has received and continues to receive major injectional funds. $7.3 million was used to procure materials for persons in the poultry and pork sub-sectors.

While stating the figures, he asserted that “we are not even talking about fisheries, fisheries is a separate entity in itself, we are just talking about agriculture and the land.” He highlighted the continuous efforts of the administration and stated that the government recognises the significance of the agriculture sector.

“Agriculture remains the centre of our efforts towards transforming Dominica,” asserted PM Roosevelt Skerrit.

PM Skerrit remarked that the citizens of the island nation can make a lot of money with this abattoir. “Dominicans eat a lot of pork and Dominicans eat a lot of chicken and we import chicken from all parts of the world and the reality is what we get it takes six, seven months before you get to us. And sometimes, usually, we in the smaller island get lower-grade chicken”, said PM Skerrit.

While recognising its importance he said that if citizens will buy chicken from the abattoir, it is guaranteed that they will get the top quality which will directly create a positive impact on the health of the citizens. He also urged and motivated the residents of the nation to promote local farmers by consuming their products. 

Along with that, PM Skerrit also acknowledged the significance of expanding the tree crop sector. He said that these tree crops which include, cocoa, avocados, coffee, coconuts and citrus would benefit the country and also asked the people to invest in this sector.

PM Skerrit also appreciated tiring efforts of Roland Royer, the Agriculture minister and expressed his confidence in his decisions and said that agriculture will elevate to greater heights under his leadership.