THE EUROPEAN Union (EU) is to provide $288 million in relief assistance to resuscitate the ailing banana industry which was devastated by Hurricane Ivan last September.
The money will go towards procuring fertilisers and herbicides which are urgently needed for the recovery of the industry. The materials are to be distri-buted directly to small and
medium-scale banana farmers through the Banana Trading Board (BTC). Some farmers will receive cash grants to assist with specific labour operations in resuscitating their farms. Cultivators will be required to participate in recommended pest and disease control programmes and attend training sessions.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Gerd Jarchow, head of delegation of the European Commission to Jamaica said, "The EU is deeply committed to sustainable development and this initiative is an example of that commitment." Mr. Jarchow said the supplies being provided were critical to the resuscitation of the industry and to control and prevent the transmission of nematode and banana borers to healthy banana fields. He said further that this was needed for the island to recover from the damage of the hurricane and regain its market share and international competitiveness.
The industry lost 100 per cent of standing crops and 95 per cent of maiden suckers during Hurricane Ivan which battered the island in September last year. This resulted in a loss of income for at least 8,000 persons directly and another 12,000 persons indirectly.
Dr. Marshall Hall, chairman of the Banana Company of Jamaica, said the industry should recover fully by July, but said exports could begin as early as April/May. The country has lost an estimated US$16 million in export earnings and US$30
million in local earnings.
The relief assistance is part of the EU's ongoing programme to assist with the development of Jamaica's banana industry under the Special Framework for Assistance (SFA) earmarked for banana suppliers in the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states.
