By Michelle Barrett, Freelance Writer
From left: Gerd Jarchow, Head, European Union Delegation (EU); Woodrow Mitchell, Managing Director of Walkerswood Caribbean Foods (WCF) and Micheal McMorris of JAMPRO converse about the pictures in the WCF's photo album at the ground-breaking ceremony for their new factory in St. Ann last Saturday. The EU, the United States Agency for International Development and the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica are three of the agencies credited with helping WCF grow from a cottage business into one of Jamaica's most successful food processing companies. - Contributed
GROUND BROKE last Saturday in Walkerswood, St. Ann, to accommodate the expansion of Walkerswood Caribbean Foods Limited, with the construction of a $150
million state-of-the-art factory scheduled to begin construction next month.
The 5,938 square metre complex on which the factory is expected to be built will include a warehouse, an office block, a training facility, a visitor's centre and a gift shop. Walkerswood Caribbean Foods which started 25 years ago in 1978 as a cottage industry, is well known today locally and overseas for its spicy jerk seasoning, jerk marinade, spices, preserves and a wide range of sauces such as Jonkanoo, Scotch Bonnet, Escoveitch, Coconut Rundown and the latest addition, Fire Stick.
With the Jamaican concept of one-one cocoa fill basket, and the commitment to decrease unemployment in the agriculture-based village of Walkerswood, company Chairman Rhoderick Edwards explained that the executive included the individual input of farmers and community members. The company now employs 65 persons and after the completion of the factory, employment is expected to be boosted. He also noted that last year the company reported sales of US $3 million in earnings and continue to match consumer trends and preferences.
"What has resulted in this concerted effort is a company that has grown significantly exporting its products to England, North America, the Caribbean and now Latin America. Our family here at Walkerswood can stand tall and be proud of the company's achievements and we owe all of this success to our workers," said Mr. Edwards while delivering his address at the function.
He also announced that the new factory will also enable the company to begin canning ackee and calalloo in addition to boosting its other 17 products.
Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke and Minister of Industry and Tourism and Member of Parliament, Aloun N'dombet Assamba, Ambassador Mosina Jordan, Mission Director, USAID, Woodrow Mitchell, Walkerswood's Managing Director and Osbourne "Apple" Francis, a pepper farmer from the community also spoke at the function.
The Governor-General noted that Walkerswood is indeed a success story on community building, and one which should be adopted in other parts of the country
and the world.
"This shows without a doubt that when community members come together and decide that they want to build where they live, it can be achieved with each member working in harmony to get the desired result," the Governor-General said.
Guests were entertained by the Walkerswood choir with The New Walkerswood Song adapted by Mardel Robinson in July of this year. It was sung to the tune of the old-time hymn 'Glory, Glory Hallelujah' and was well-received by all in attendance. The Governor-General with pick axe in hand, broke ground under a cloudy sky that emitted light showers of rain during the day's proceedings.
A delightful feast consisting of sumptuous Jamaican cuisine, such as curried goat, jerk chicken, jerk pork, jerk fish, roast breadfruit and bammies were had by all in attendance. To help wash down the meal, visitors had the choice of either fruit punch, coconut water or a wide assortment of liquor. Dessert included favourite Jamaican pastry delights such as sweet potato pudding, gizzada and coconut drops.
