May 23rd, 2009…Minister Of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & The Environment Hilson Baptiste has moved to improve the working conditions of employees at the extension divisions.

Some of the stations down for facelift are Diamonds, Christian Valley, Dunbar’s, the Livestock and Veterinary Division among others.

The minister said, the improvement is necessary to facilitate conducive, effective and efficient work ethics while executing their duties.

Baptiste acknowledge that he is aware of the complaints by the officers and is currently putting strategic plans in place to remedy the situation.

The agriculture minister has set next week aside to visit the officers at the extension division.

Baptiste will also use the opportunity of register their concerns and examine the stations so that repair works could begin.

“We have to make the stations livable and operational friendly for the staff. One cannot be working in an office without a functional air conditioning unit and bathroom malfunctioning.”

The minister said, “This is a serious challenge, but in order for us to motivate the staff, we must be willing to give them the resources and the environment in which to function.”

He outlined that the condition at the Livestock & Veterinary Division would be addressed speedily.

To this end, the Agriculture headquarters has received a significant facelift. A rededication and blessing of building is set for June 5th.