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Criticism of Chinese Abaco agricultural investment 'premature'

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Published On:Saturday, April 10, 2010

By NOELLE NICOLLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

nnicolls@

tribunemedia.net

GOVERNMENT officials say criticism over the planned Chinese investment in the Abaco agricultural sector is premature since no deal has been signed, or proposal submitted yet.

The Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) is engaged in discussions with the Chinese about large-scale investment in food processing and animal rearing.

Lawrence Cartwright, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, said: "I understand the group has been doing some work with the BAIC but nothing has been finalised yet. The initial stages have started. Nothing in writing has been put forward to government.

"There are some concerns. Some people from Abaco have spoken to me about their concerns. Any time a huge development is coming into a community it is normal for persons to want to know what is going on, but we cannot say until we know what is going on."

Two local farmers have asked the Government to hold a public forum in Abaco to discuss the nature of the plans, specifically disclosing information such as the environmental practices of the Chinese, and the "immediate and residual benefits" the Bahamas would obtain through an alliance.

Daphne deGregory, of Abaco Neem, said: "We want transparency. There are a lot of rumours flying around. Before the imaginations of people get carried away I think the responsible thing is for the Government is to have a public forum and not repeat a Bunker C situation where the whole world blows the situation out of proportion. We have to be a better government; a government of information; a proactive one that doesn't wait to react to public uprising.

"It is not something against Chinese. It is directed at any foreign country having a major role in agriculture in our country."

The Minister said the Chinese company would be required to submit an environmental impact assessment and a management plan to show how they are going to manage the use of chemicals and other products.

He mentioned the fact that animal husbandry creates large amounts of waste, so the management plan would outline how the liquid and solid waste would be disposed of as not to affect the water table

"We have to know how all of these things are going to be done. That would be examined before any final word is given. There would have to be some meeting half way so they are being done in compliance with the standards set by the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, the BEST Commission and the wider government. The Government is not going to allow anyone to set up shop without knowing what is going on."

Nick Miaoulis, Abaco Neem president and farmer, said the plan should encourage farmers in the direction where they can meet already-identified needs as a strategy of ensuring food security.

He said the indigenous knowledge and farming expertise was underutilised. He recommended, as an example, an investment in a potato processing plant in Andros, which he says "grows some of the best potatoes" to supply the local demand for processed potatoes in the form of French fries.

"Technical assistance from foreign bodies is great as long as they are coming in to farm safely, to provide training in new technology and teaching us to be self sufficient, managing the farms for the future for ourselves," he said.

BAIC administrators in Abaco said the various farming associations in Abaco have been privy to information about the plans of the Chinese, including the North Abaco Farmers Association, the Central Abaco Farmers Association and the All Abaco Farmers Cooperative.

"Let us be honest and frank, whether it is PLP or FNM, we voted for these persons. They would have done feasibility studies to see if these things are viable. But anyone can pitch up arbitrarily and say anything. All of these organisations want to tell the Government what to do - half of these people don't vote. It is just a handful of people saying a bunch of nonsense. No one has time to tell these private people what the Government is doing. They are not that important," said Ejnar Cornish, manager of the BAIC office on Abaco.

"If people want to come in with the technology and funds to back what they are saying, let us give them a chance and see what they could do. A decision has to be made so the people can work. Plenty people in Abaco are hurt," said Mr Cornish.

Reader Comments - 4 Total

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Posted By: Hog Plum On: 4/12/2010

Title: Here We go Again

I would like to suggest to our Government of this here Bahamas, that they all take a trip to China and see first hand how the Chinese operate. Or better yet, take a trip to central Africa, where they conduct business with no regard for the locals or for the environment. China, like the Philipines, is in the business of exporting people in order to ensure that it builds its own economy. They are not at all interested in the health and welfare of the Bahamian people.
What we ought to be doing, is training our own people to manage our affairs efficiently and effectively. This can be done in two ways, 1. send our people off to observe and work on overseas farms to learn the modern, healthy and cost effective ways of farming and 2. bring in the Human and technological resources to train our people to conduct farming in a modern, healthy and cost effective manner.
If we are not careful, we will hand our entire country away to the Chinese without even realising what is happening to us. Wake up people. Let us learn to manage our own affairs. It is not as difficult as our politicians want to make it seem.

Posted By: Concerned On: 4/11/2010

Title: Unproductive, Uncaring Leaders and Churches and any other Organization in the Bahamas

Ijust want to compare apples and oeanges of the US and the Bahamas by quoting the below.
"Let us all step forward and make a statement, not only to our own leaders, but to the rest of the world. We are the United States of America, the greatest nation on this planet, founded by brave, brilliant men who had a vision that we would set the standard for freedom throughout the world. It’s no small feat to be such a young nation, yet still the most powerful that exists. It’s because we think forward, take risks, and do things others are afraid to do, knowing that ultimately it will set an example for all people.
That we believe in the principles that our founding fathers set forth as a road map for what we call the USA. Tomorrow, you’ll vote and, if you make the right choice, you will be part of a defining moment in our history but, more importantly, in our future. So vote for Barack Obama you crackers. Cuz after tomorrow, I got 99 problems and a Bush ain’t one, but I also don’t need a Mccain in my butt."
"the United States of America, the greatest nation on this planet, founded by brave, brilliant men who had a vision that we would set the standard for freedom throughout the world."
Where are our Bahamian version of inspiring, professional, caring, empathetic, "brave, brilliant men who had a vision that we (the country) would set the standard".
What staandard are ouf leaders setting and they cant clean up the Ghetto areas or at least have meetings or workshops to teach people how to clean up their yard, their overall health and take care of their children. I dont expect Government to do this but some organization need to step up to the plate and teach uneducated people how to live effectively instead of being a burden to society and making the ghetto a eyesore.

That we believe in the principles that our founding fathers set forth as a road map for what we call the USA. Tomorrow, you’ll vote and, if you make the right choice, you will be part of a defining moment in our history but, more importantly, in our future. So vote for Barack Obama you crackers. Cuz after tomorrow, I got 99 problems and a Bush ain’t one, but I also don’t need a Mccain in my butt."
"the United States of America, the greatest nation on this planet, founded by brave, brilliant men who had a vision that we would set the standard for freedom throughout the world."
Where are our Bahamian version of inspiring, professional, caring, empathetic, "brave, brilliant men who had a vision that we (the country) would set the standard".
What staandard are ouf leaders setting and they cant clean up the Ghetto areas or at least have meetings or workshops to teach people how to clean up their yard, their overall health and take care of their children. I dont expect Government to do this but some organization need to step up to the plate and teach uneducated people how to live effectively instead of being a burden to society and making the ghetto a eyesore. " />

Posted By: Annoyed On: 4/11/2010

Title: ha!

One day our government will wake up and realize we "the little people" know more then they do. in the meantime, watch out!
"They would have done feasibility studies to see if these things are viable. But anyone can pitch up arbitrarily and say anything."
It is easy to claim and presume studies have been done but when pushed, like BEC about the power plant, the studies are nonexistent, or at best grossly incomplete.

Posted By: Abaco proud On: 4/10/2010

Title: Thank You

"No one has time to tell these private people what the Government is doing."
So if you have a concern you "are not that important". It is good we are all finding out what we are thought of in Abaco. Thank you. We will remember this when we VOTE.
Obviously they have learned nothing from the questions raised and ignored by the Power Plant. Maybe they are afraid of another meeting where people my stand up and voice their concerns. Another gift to South Abaco. Let us have a meeting and see what they plan if you want to be honest and upfront with the people. Since there is nothing to hide.

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