Howard Campbell, Gleaner WriterLOCAL BAKERS are optimistic that a deal with the Jamaica Business Development Centre (JBDC) will help turn the heat up on their long-suffering industry.
Clarence Chin, president of the Bakers Association of Jamaica, told The Gleaner that he now had reason to hope, following a meeting last Tuesday with officials of the JBDC, a lending agency affiliated to the Ministry of Industry and Tourism. Because of the unfriendly business climate, Mr. Chin says bakers in Jamaica are unable to compete with goods coming into the island from their regional and North American counterparts.
LACK OF FUNDS
"Because of low profits, bakers have not been able to buy new equipment," said Mr. Chin, who manages the Golden Crust Bakery in Ocho Rios, St. Ann. "There has never been enough money for us to retool, but what we heard in the meeting was extremely promising."
Harold Davis, executive director at the JBDC, was also pleased with his exchange with the bakers who will benefit from funding and technical assistance under his company's 'Bowling for Business' programme, which was launched in November.
"Baking is a fundamental part of our economy, but it has been neglected. We intend to seek funding that will assist bakers in retooling, refinancing and technical areas," said Mr. Davis. "We have a feeling something good is going to happen."
The JBDC executive did not elaborate on the amount of funds that will be available to bakers, but said it would come from government and other donor agencies. Loans to clients will depend on the size of the bakery.
In terms of technical assistance, the JBDC will provide training for workers, as well as help to fine-tune their marketing techniques.
LONG-AWAITED INITIATIVE
Mr. Chin says this is the type of initiative his members have been waiting for, as the industry has stagnated due to rising production costs and outdated equipment.
"What we have always lobbied for is a long-term development plan for the baking industry, because we are not able to compete as it is now," he said. "We are importing too many things, just look in the supermarkets."
Last June, bakers voiced their disapproval of an increase in expenses placed on their businesses by government agencies. These included a $10,000 fee for inspecting of their premises by the Jamaica Fire Brigade, $6,000 in health department fees for testing workers and $4,000 for a certificate of approval by the Jamaica Bureau of Standards.
