Marlene McPherson, Gleaner Writer
Yvonne Chin (second right) and her employees prepare ginger to be used in making 'Busta' at E.C's. Koconutz Ltd. in York, St. Thomas. - MARLENE MCPHERSON PHOTO
LYSSONS, St. Thomas:
AFTER LOSING her job because of a fire, which destroyed the supermarket where she worked, Yvonne Chin's determination to find a livelihood and encouragement from friends and relatives has resulted in the creation of her own agro-processing business.
She is the proprietor of E.C.'s Koconutz Limited in York, St. Thomas, which makes coconut sweets - also known as 'Busta' - for sale on the local and export markets in the United States and the United Kingdom.
LOST HER JOB
With the time she had having lost her job, she explained that she asked one of the suppliers who used to supply the sweets to the supermarket where she worked to teach her how to make 'Busta'.
"I spent the entire day observing the techniques involved. I discovered that the processes were simple, so I came home and experimented," she told The Gleaner, "I then showed him what I did (and) he was impressed and congratulated me," she continued. Ms. Chin says she gave the sweets to friends and relatives who all encouraged her to make and sell them.
With this encouragement, she started the business, in partnership with the supplier who taught her, three years ago at her home in York, St. Thomas. She pointed out that the facility adheres to the measures set by the Jamaica Bureau of Standards.
But like in all businesses, there are challenges. Ms. Chin said the short shelf life of the products and the inadequate supply of coconuts is affecting her business. She added that because of the Lethal Yellowing disease which affects the coconuts on her farm, she is forced to source other means of supply. In an average week, she uses six thousand coconuts.
In addition to her agro-processing business, Ms. Chin also operates a farm where she grows coconut, ginger, ackee and orange. The ginger is used extensively in the agro-processing business.
In the meantime, the resilient farmer and businesswoman is experimenting with other coconut products. She also makes tamarind balls when there is an off season.
While the venture has not generated any profit yet, the mother of eight said she enjoys working in the business and remains hopeful that the venture will become viable.
