Charlestown, Nevis
October 8, 2007
Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing, Cooperatives and Fisheries, the Hon. Robelto Hector, told members of the Agro ““Processors Cooperatives on Nevis that they should not restrict themselves to meet the needs of the local market but should explore the potential offered by the industry overseas.
The Minister gave the Agro-processors the advice at the Contract Signing and Ground Breaking ceremony at Prospect on Friday October 05, 2007. The event signaled the start of construction of the island’s first Agro-Processing Plant. He further told them that they had the potential to assist in the island’s social and economic development because of the rapid growth of agro-processing.
“You all have that potential to assist in our national economic development and it is your task to meet the local needs and seek to move towards export potential. Today’s signing is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to agro processing and as I am charged with responsibility for that sector. I promise you my commitment you for the time that I am here and beyond.
“As a government we [NIA] will assist you, as we are doing today with the infrastructure that is so important. We would always give assistance to you to strengthen the social capital as it relates to training. I want you, to make sure that you do the necessary market research, as it is only through proper research that you would discover the reliable market. There are international standards and you are to maintain your standards particularly when you are thinking about an export market,” the Minister said.