President Nicholas Liverpool has declared open a new shop to market Dominica’s herbal products.
‘Zeb Kweyol’, located at the Old Market in Roseau, was launched by the Dominica Herbal Business Association (DHBA) Friday. Herbalists present called for the proper packaging and presentation of products for sale on the overseas markets.
Catherine Ormond, treasurer of the DHBA made a strong call for Dominica and the Caribbean to push for greater respect for their local products on the international market.
“The coconut was attacked and coconut oil was said to be raising your cholesterol,” Ormond said, contending, “but all nut oils are good”.
The DHBA treasurer explained, that while Dominica’s products are being put to shame, international products are being exported to the island and others in the Caribbean.
“There was a concerted attack on milk production in the Caribbean. Now what are we left with? a powdered something you have no idea what is in it,” she emphasized.
“How many of our governments in Dominica and elsewhere in the Caribbean, have ever tasted that powdered milk, tested it and found out what exactly is in it? But anytime something leaves Dominica you have to have a license,” Ormond continued.
“We have to become pro active and begin to make our voice heard. If this stuff can come from overseas, then ours must go, or else it cannot come,” Ormond stressed.
I so agree with you. There are allows restrictions to allow small states to grow by limiting their exports of prepared goods. Most definitely if ours cant be exported we should limit what comes in aswell, especially from the US.
Sister Ormond, I agree with you 100%. We also must appreciate what we grow and support ourselves rather tha indulging in all these products from overseas that are filled with preservatives. Even though we must preserve in order to export but at least we know that our ingredients are pure.
that is so true all the lineing in the cans they put cornbeef and sorts they finding out
now it si not good see cancer on the rise that shld not be in a place like da
Become pro-active by making your products speak for themselves. A good product might not be appreciated locally, but with good packaging and promotion it will not be ignored overseas. Stop being defensive and observe what others are doing to compete.