The government of Dominica has begun testing the much talked about Venezuela-funded abattoir which is situated in Layou Park.
Agriculture Minister, Johnson Drigo, said over the next few days 4,000 birds and 250 pigs will be slaughtered at the facility until it is tested to the maximum.
Officials from the ministry as well as the media toured the abattoir on Wednesday to witness the testing of the equipment, as well the slaughtering and processing of poultry.
“Over the past couple of years we have been promoting the opening of the abattoir as one of the pillar projects for transforming the agricultural sector,” Drigo said. “Today we are here witnessing the $10-million project in operation.”
He said the government remains eternally grateful to the government and people of Venezuela, especially the late Hugo Chavez and present President Nicolas Maduro, for “keeping faith with the government of Dominica.”
“We are excited that the time has come when our livestock farmers whom we’ve promised over the years that this abattoir will be commissioned, can now expand their production,” Drigo stated.
He mentioned further that government will remain true to its program of providing funds for livestock farmers to expand their production.
He said funds will be made available at the AID Bank.
Drigo called on the Dominican public to support the abattoir and its operation.
“This abattoir is our own, the success of the Abattoir depends on Dominicans buying local,” he remarked. “We are presenting you with a wholesome local product, our very own chicken, and pork product.”
Drigo noted that a number of supermarkets have decided to purchase some of the product that will be coming from the testing phases of the facility.
“So very soon you will be able to purchase at the supermarkets pork and poultry products coming from your local abattoir and a very competitive prize,” Drigo noted.
However, Drigo pointed out that the operations of the Abattoir will be a costly venture.
“We are talking about electricity, the employment of staffing, salaries and wages for staff, we are talking about the cost of production of animals,” Drigo explained.
“We know the cost of feed which we have no control over, we know the cost of really producing, so, therefore we are saying to our Dominican community if our farmers are going to succeed and if the abattoir is going to succeed, we must support the Abattoir.”
The facility is expected to be officially opened in January 2016.
Authorities say the abattior costs about $10-million, financed by Venezuela. They say upon completion it will have a capacity output of 1,000 birds per hour and 50 pigs per day. They say it was being built to ensure food security, reduce the import bill and to provide employment in Dominica.
The facility was originally set to be completed by October 2013.
After that various deadlines were given for its completion including January 2014 and March 2014.
Great news. Hope we can get some more pictures of the facility…
NICE good move
Maybe I can bring some of my manicou there to slaughter.
Thanks you Sir, so all road side LAZY LAZARDS WILL RAISE ANIMALS FOR THAT FARM.
Drigo, nice cap and coat you are wearing. Did that come from Venezuela too? Listen garcon, I’m all for buying local provided I don’t have to pay more for mygfood because that doesn’t make sence. Farmers don’t pay tax on their profits and good luck too them but if that means I have to pay money to subsidise them and your ministry I would rather buy imports. Sorry, but is my money and I sure don’t want you to tell me how and where to spend it. If you pay duty on your vehicle that would help for a start.
All kinds of talk: abattoir is a good thing but we all know it’s for the labourers to benefit. .labourites got the pig and chicken farms. .. therefore this is not for the grassroots man or woman.
This is another lovely way of shifting the attention of the people from the real issues….
Mr minister of agriculture when will you all fix the layou road and bridge? The layou road is more than dead. .
When is the reconstruction of Dominica going to begin….. oh boy look a hopeless government. …
It’s like the Pm sent Mr Drigo to talk bout meat before Christmas. …Last year you guys gave ham and turkey to your supporterst. . Now Mr Drigo is saying ham n meat gifts run out this year…
Dominicans want to see the country move forward.
Dominicans want to see leadership
Dominicans demand action from the government now that storm is ended. …
Storm this is a FOOLISH COMMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Storm; your an idiot
I fully support your comments TRUEMAN however we have to ask the question as to weather or not we can produce locally enough livestock to keep the facility running at full capacity for a sustained period. I mean we talking about 1000 birds and 50 pigs a day. that is roughly 30,000 birds and 1,500 pigs a month. where on island do we have a farm or farms with such a high volume of livestock. that is a question we should be asking Mr. Drigo
Yes Hon. Minister of Abbator, are you going to import the animals to slutter? Why are you not investing on small stocks, after E rika what have you done to assist the farmers who lost their animals and crops. Not even words of assurance. Your days are numbered.
*********BUY LOCAL**********
“This abattoir is our own, the success of the Abattoir depends on Dominicans buying local,” he remarked. “We are presenting you with a wholesome local product, our very own chicken, and pork product.”
………………………….
Hon: Drigo,
It would help if the government would also reduce the imports of meats not only by way of this Abattoir but by a mandated policy.
Doing so would create a greater demand/market for our local meats.
If such a policy is not mandated the imported meats would most likely be cheaper and the Abattoir success could be a real challenge.
-Best wishes!!
thanks for this comment, duties were increased on some of the meats to ensure that there is some level of competitiveness. I think your comment is a rather useful comment/observation
Best wishes