July 28, 2009… Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing &the Environment Hilson Baptiste said in order for the agricultural stations to effectively execute their mandate efforts must be made to secure the properties.

Baptiste made the remarks at Cades Bay Pineapple Station, during a field trip. The tour also went to Green Castle and Christian Valley.

The minister said, the area is being left opened to the public and was susceptible to vandalism and praedial larceny.

Baptiste noted that “anything that is done here will be in vein, if we do not act quickly to properly secure the farms.”

He noted that not only should the area be fenced, razor wires should be placed at the top.

Additionally, Baptiste said security guards should be placed on duties to do regular patrols.

“I understand that individuals from all walks of life come to Cades Bay to reap pineapples. And that is a practice that must be put to an end. It begins with us.”

He told the station coordinator Carlton Hampson to prepare an estimate so that the issues, particularly security will be dealt with immediately.

Outlining the mission Hampson said it “Is to become centres of agricultural excellence by providing certified planting material, sound technical information for producers and technicians and supplementing farmer’s production thereby ensuring national food security.”

In the meantime, the minister called on private sectors to play a more critical role in the investment and support of local agriculture.

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