A multi-million dollar Dominica Chinese Modern Agricultural Center will be officially declared open during the 2014 Agriculture and Foresty Festival, Minister for Agriculture, Matthew Walter has said.
According to the minister, the center will serve as a significant addition to the goals set for agriculture.
“I need to thank profusely, the Chinese government for making available this very essential initiative that will contribute to food security and economic development.”
Speaking at the formal launch of the festival, Walter said his ministry is aiming to breathe fresh air into agriculture.
“There is a need to bring the young people on board. We need new blood in the agricultural sector because the young people are educated in the field of agriculture Many of them can access the internet and to internalize the scientific ways and means whereby we can make agriculture a profitable enterprise.”
He noted that agriculture should be done as a business and a science and said the government has been investing tremendously in all aspects of the sector to ensure that it continues to contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of this country. According to him, a level of disinterest now exists among farmers.
“There is a need to motivate the present farmers because we see a level of disinterest in many of them. Farmers are being threatened by international measures, sometimes farmers cannot cope with certain standards, we have situations where farmers cannot cope with escalating prices in relation to the cost of fertilizers and other inputs, there are situations where we do not have sufficient workforce on the ground.”
However the minister said his ministry wants to send a message to farmers that there is no need to despair and get disinterested.
“If we understand what it takes to be able to do agriculture in a very profitable manner and if we understand the need for us to pool our resources and our ideas and for us to be able to implement workable and sustainable plans, I think that all of us should be convinced that doing agriculture is profitable.”
He said it is his ministry’s position that to be able to achieve that goal there is need to showcase what agriculture has done, will do, and intends to do.
The Festival is expected to be held from May 12 to May 17 at One Mile in Portsmouth.
Activities planned for the event include an exposition highlighting work done by farmers and agro processors, a farmers forum, a youth forum and an awards ceremony.
Ministry of Agriculture officials will also visit various schools to highlight career paths in agriculture.
an exaggerated heading to fool the simple minded. just keep in mind that elections are around the corner. anything will be said
Matthew this your swan song. Your glory days are over. Do you even understand what you said? Take a bow SIr but don’t lean too far over. Oh we will remember you for what you didn’t do. Goodbye
All i can say is election must be very close lol. For 14yrs this government has done very little to help agriculture no marketing for farmers,nothing.Now election is close and look new this new that we still waiting for some of the new they promise a while back lol.what interest me is the STANDARD OF LIVING IN DOMINICA WHICH UNDER THIS LEADER SHIP IS AMOUNGST THE LOWEST IN THE CARIBBEAN.SOMETHING HAS TO CHANGE.
Matthew, What has Dominica done to you? Why do you treat the people of Dominica the manner that you have been treating it? Just For politics? Mr. Matthew, as a person who claims to be involved in the Catholic Church which I am part of, please put politics aside and honestly and sincerely answer these questions: 1. How does Matthew Walter compare to the leadership and vision of Skerrit to that of the leadership and vision of the DLP? 2. Matthew, knowing what we know about Rosie, how do you honestly believe Rosie would feel about the direction in which Skerrit has taken Dominica? 3.Matthew, how is it you have so much to say now about agriculture, which sadly, you will agree died under your watch and was unable to implement one single step to save it? 4. Matthew, since you and all of us agree you failed miserably as any minister let alone agriculture, and now you have so much god advise and a brighter future for agriculture, why then are you calling it a day now? Why not wait a little longer to see the coffee plant open? A little longer for the multi-million dollar Dominica Chinese Modern Agricultural Center open this year? Why not stay until the abattoir takes legs? Why the rush now? Is it that you do not want to be seen as a successful minister? Or, Is it that you cannot take more of the foolishness of Skeerit? If that’s the case, why put Roselyn in that mess? Or is it that you see failure slapping you right on the face so you escaping early? Please tell us the truth
“If we understand what it takes to be able to do agriculture in a very profitable manner…” If is a stipulation that does not carry any credence. This will not profit our farmers for sure. You politicians don’t care and never have cared for our farmers. Here you guys go solving our agriculture problems with a single outrageous swoop, like magic, to further burden the masses.
“There is a need to motivate the present farmers because we see a level of disinterest in many of them…” so you motivation with another crappy China loan and commit agricultural suicide!
“…Many of them can access the internet and to internalize the scientific ways and means whereby we can make agriculture a profitable enterprise.” And for those who cannot access the internet, what?
[He noted that agriculture should be done as a business] What the heck has it been done as the last 15 or so years?
“There is a need to bring the young people on board. We need new blood in the agricultural sector.” I do agree with you Walter, let’s start by replacing you with one of those younger people!
Walter bull crap ,get out of town fool.
Why dont you Dominicans shut your gobs. How many of you can deep your hands in your pocket and make a contribution towards the development of Dominica , none so femme la bouche. End of story you guys in DA are a bunch of ye ye you know those little annoyiny flies.
How many Dominicans are or were involved in this so far? How many of us are going to have access to this facility when it is opened? How much does Mr. Matthew really knows about this project? Having claimed that Agriculture is “a has been industry”, why this sudden show of interest now that the Chinese have completed their facility?
This is a Chinese facility, a Chinese project and it is left to be seen how this is going to get the farmers of this country to regain their independence that they once had in the pass. TOO MUCH TOO LATE Mr. Matthew. We already know you have NO INTEREST IN AGRICULTURE OR IN THE WELFARE OF THE FARMERS.
The immediate past PS in Agric was energetically pushing with the completion of the much needed agriculture policy… he said that he wanted a completion date by easter 2014!!! Well since then the PS has been changed and easter has come and gone and no more talk about agric policy has surfaced… I guess we will hear about that at the opening of the new agric centre
Who woke up Lazarus from the dead? Surely, it will not be Walters and Skerrit to resurect agriculture in Doiminica again.
Aye DNO, when will we be getting a report on the Motorcade failure of the Labour party on Saturday?
Dem people cannot even organize a simple motorcade. Workers go show dem what a real motorcade is.
why is it always at the end of a political term that politicians love to entice the mass population with their new plans? i am not saying that it isn’t true nor am i against it. but why always at the near elections do we see the most development ever? couldn’t we have 5 years all round non stop development instead of leaving these ideas for the near election period to be used as a political strategy? gees man change a political strategy. that one’s all worn out. we already know about it. too aparent.
Mr.Walter did you have anything to do with the acquisition of this facility?Did you in vanyway put any of Your energy into helping this facility come to fruition? If the answer is yes how come you were not. Keeping the Public abreast with the progress of this said facility all along? If the answer is no why the hell are you telling us about it now? Some of us have accepted the answer from Your rstute Leader that is is not our business so just gobawY and leave us in peace!
Let the opposition bump their gums. While they talking and protesting Labour working
instead of looking for handouts from the Chinese, why don’t you all encourage the young people to produce their food. sot
Thank you China Let. The. Uwp hate. …..
you are so damn ignorant. What is there to hate about? maybe you saw too much hate in your life
Ok we are all aware it’s an election year! How does this ” modern agricultural complex” translate into direct benefited for farmers on the ground?
Secondly Mr Agriculture minister, talk is cheap!!! While you say this is aimed at younger more technologically inclined individuals, who access the web, if these young people don’t see the viability ( market outlets) for agricultural production, and a govt that is truly committed to agriculture; then all that would have been for nothing.
* direct benefits
So u mean to tell me that the what ever they are building is not enough of a sign to the young people
Too little too late.
This is just a show.
We have asked Mr Walter to stand down from contesting in the coming elections as his son Marttan had intended to run for the opposition.
We have also instructed all Ministers to segregate Party politics from their Ministerial duties especially Agriculture, as this alienates some people who may otherwise benefit from certain programs.
Mr Walter’s failure to comply is one of the reasons why he is referred to as the “suicide” minister.
now!?
Give me a break. The Chinese again financing everything. Do you really think that they do this for free? God help agriculture in this place.
Do you really think that you can sit at a computer and make the plants grow? Maybe you should find out what a tough field this is by a week of hard labor. It is not all that profitable and it is weather dependent.
TO TO late mister next five years will be dead only who own big villas that willbe alive and allwho holdin CRABS WILL alive and althose who just there londerin while our poor people will be wanderin where the next meal coming FROM.
Mr Walter you are not easy at all. After all these years, now you wanna breathe fresh air…. Its really a sign that your parl rep days are over! Upon reflection its really to see that Dominicans continue to allow you so called politicians to mislead and take them for fools.
One day you guys gonna have to answer for that en? God is watching all of ya all footsteps and moves. You guys will escape with murder in Dominica – to use and expression- but you guys wont escape from the judgement of God. Mr Walter and all the politicians God is watching ! Its just crazy to see what you guys are doing , very crazyyyyyyyyyy!
Walters is a waste of time. 14 years of nothing , boss PLEASE LEAVE IN DISGRACE!!!
shaka Zulu I agree with you a hundred percent, thank you for your insights, keep them real.
A Dominican diaspora in California.
Dominica Diaspora, IN California
I will be home next month
malapropism ; Only now where is this building dno did he states this is located. this man just using words like a mad man you cannot understand a thing he saying. allez poser corsp walter. allez
I have a problem when 4 years gone with no job development and government complaints of lackof funds.
So many empty budgets
Do talk for last year budget….. alas boss
I have notice with interest de sudden rapid announcements of gold falling from de sky
Project like wow!!!!
All you have de guts!!!!!!”
Right before budget….right before an election!!!!!!!
Will these projects form part of de next budget?
Mr. Walter too little too late is it because you are now on the back burner so you are now putting agriculture on the front burner is like telling the farmers to go plant and produce in the desert.
Walters where were u when the farmer been crying for help ?now u surface like the savior trust me they can’t be fool no more Change is a must.
Rome was not built in a day.
Was Rome built by Romans or Charity? We not talking about the collosiums/stadium and causeway/ roads. We are talking about agriculture, an activity that has affectet 99% of our lives in dominica. Not even something so important we can invest in ourselves. It has to take 14 years and chinese. It tells me that we are nor generating enough revenue for us to invest ourselves, or the Gov. Priority was somewhere else.
Matthew is/was one of the MOO MOO Skerrites who killed agriculture in Dominica.
SHAME ON YOU MATTHEW. Another reason why i hate this Labour Party so dam much.
I agree with what Mr. Walters is saying. But it had to take 14 yrs to come up with these ideas.
Secondly DNO, i was expecting to read more about the multi million dollar structure, where it located, its size, its amenities, how it aims to achieve food security, what kind of operations ( plant propergation, selective breeding, research and development, market intelligence, etc etc…), will it be employing people or just housing existing agriculturist with ministry.what is the long term plan to improve food security.
I think you guys could do better job reporting the story as it relates to the structure.
Matthew has been there 14 years and leaving so his thoughts are insignificant at this point
u guys are just fool of it,shaka Zulu then no one should listen to eddison james either since he is out of the party and gave his constituency on a plate to lennox linton.
since when voting became “on a plate”
DNO can only write what Mr. Walter said. He never said much about the center.
You shld ask Mr Walter those questions not dno.
^ shaka is a wise man
Rome was not built in a day. Be patient. There is a lot to be done and everything cannot be done all at once.
I have only one question for u. Was Rome built by the Romans?
So’ you are now not only concerned that Rome was built but also by whom? Now, after i respond to your question, will you then ask how many foreigners built Rome..how much foreign money was used to build Rome….how much money did building Rome help fluctuate in the Roman mepire, etc, etc? I hope that you have gotten my point by now.
are you critical of the length time that the ministry of agriculture is taking to get things done, are you one of persons who do not believe that things take time,and does it really matter how long it takes to do things as long as it is done,you guys never seem to lack drama,typical opposition,as for your question to DNO,don’t you think that after the project is launched,that DNO will come up with some more in dept information.
I understand things take time an sometimes you raise taxes on certain items to fund projects. In this case it is again another chinese infrastructure. With all the agri intellectuals in Dominica i did not hear the minister say thanks to them because it was a home grown idea. I hear profused appreciation to chinese. We are an agri society so if you believe it should take 14 yrs to get these ideas and plans going then you have a problem. Our economy has always been about agri and will be for the near future.
Shaka, teh diea is fully homegrown. The funds may not be, but teh concept etc are all Dominican.
You are osessed with “how long”. Portsmouth, like many other communities around the island, already had an agri centre. This news item is simply an upgrade on the existing one. Next time you are Domincia, visit P/mouth and you will see. You will argue that this upgrade should have come much earlier. I will agree that everything we are doing now should have come much earlier. For example, do you know that it was not too many years ago that we built our first Intensive Care Unit in a hospital in Dominica; and that this happened under this DLP administration? Of course, we should have gotten an ICU many moons ago, no?
We are patient, Shaka. We must be.
But what actually is the centre? Is it just a building? What is it for? How willl it generate income for anyone? All farmers need is the means to sell their produce abroad (ie someone with a cargo boat) and then productivity, interest among young people in agriculture, improved methods of production, everything will increase as the money starts to come in. It seems to me this centre is just a meeting place and if so I could have built one out of bamboo for a couple of dollars. And then we would not have to be Chinese boomboom fly. At some point China will want something in return from Dominica and I’m worried about what it will be.
Well, coyote, if you have no idea what the Centre is for, how do you rush to conclude that it is “just a meeting place?” Don’t you think that it would have been more sensible to first get the answers to the questions that you asked before your hasty conclusion? In other words, resist the urge to orgasmic responses and inform yourself before seaking.
YEA RIGHT
“I need to thank profusely, the Chinese government for making available this very essential initiative that will contribute to food security and economic development.”
While you are puffing your mouth thanking the Chines for nothing; ask them why is it they abandoned agriculture in China, especially their rice plantations; and replace it with modern industries.
Ask them how come China was one of the poorest nation on earth while they entertained the communists ideology that agriculture would be the savior of the world, and now they have abandoned that idea and become a fully developed industrialized nation; even so they are lending money to the more developed nations such as the United States.
If China remained an agricultural based economy, the Chines would still be walking with Mau little red book and a hoe tied on their backs; keep talking agriculture, and thank the Chines for the grand price they have awarded you to try and enslaved the youth of our country on the plantation as modern day salves while you burn in your red shirt!
If you are concentrating on an economy based on agriculture, I assure you in the not so distance future, our nations economy will collapse, The former Soviet Union economy was agricultural based; the Soviet Union collapsed, Cuba has no economy, shall Dominica be the next?
Haven’t the Chines told you they have flooded out many millions of farm land in order to build water dams to facilitate the production of hydroelectricity? Dominica is one of to place capable of producing hydro electric, yet we favor Geothermal Energy, over the most economical way of generating electricity. Your face looks swollen that red shirt makes you appear as if you are in pain, it makes you look as if you are bind in a straight jacket.
How sad!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
You are not with it. Do you really know what you stated? You have not utilized your common sense if you have any.
I would think the same applies to the US.
I have seen produce as also vegetables, ginger and garlic which originated from China. They are sold in the grocery stores.
It is said they are cheaper than what is grown in those countries where they are sold.
There are many Chinese immigrants and Canadian born of Chinese heritage who reside in countries as Canada and the US. As West Indians do, they love their home-grown produce.
In addition since some US and Canadian enterprises outsourced to those foreign countries, China got a good piece of the pie, manufacturing and exporting computer systems, telephones, etc,.
Have you not also seen how much technology which are manufactured in China and labeled “Made in China” in addition to clothing and sold to the western countries? It appears that everything is manufactured in China and exported to the western countries for purchase by consumers.
This is why China has now become an industrialized nation, more so than those so-called progressive nations. They are smart to have taken advantage of the opportunity which was thrown away by countries of the western world as Canada and the US. Our governments let us down.
The products manufactured in Canada are extremely expensive. Today, with the economy as it is, how many people can afford to purchase them – buy local? They say it is cheaper to purchase from China than anywhere else. This is why some reputable stores have closed their businesses and laid off many of their employees.
In view of this, China benefited greatly. It must be a rich country. It surpassed those other countries and knows how to conduct business.
The goods and food products which are bought from China and sold to consumers of the western world, money of puchases flow back to China.
Pertaining to rice, canned goods and fish from China, these are also sold in the grocery stories. Sometimes I wonder if I am shopping in stores in China or in Canada.
It appears you do not have your statistics straight. You should conduct a research into these matters prior to voicing your opinion in writing.
“You are not with it. Do you really know what you stated? You have not utilized your common sense if you have any.
I have seen produce as also vegetables, ginger and garlic which originated from China. They are sold in the grocery stores.”(Just the Truth).
Indeed you may have seen all of the above out of China; I have yet to see one vegetable which came out of China selling here in the United States. I can also tell you that any; and I mean any agricultural produce grown in Dominica are also grown elsewhere: in South America, and even Mexico, in North America. Be reminded that I found grapefruit grown and harvest in Israel; shipped and sold in Guadeloupe; yet Israel is into Industrialization too, had it not been for someone born in Israel, the cellular telephone may not be invented, revolutionized communication all over the world.
I know you are happy to hear that, nevertheless, no matter where in the world, no matter from which nation, t agricultural products came; their economy is not agricultural based! They also sells industrialized manufactured goods. And while we are at it; tell me when last you bought Chines rice in Canada. Please do not claim you have bought it recently, because if you do, I will ask you to name the store, and I will be on my to Canada to check it out and confirm that for my self.
I do not wish that we abandon agriculture completely in our country, because of our staples! We must eat, therefore we must maintain a certain amount of the staples we eat, if nothing else. However, for someone to concentrate on agriculture, and make it appear as if without agriculture Dominica will evaporate, is nothing more than outright stupidity. I do not care if the Chines give, that guy all the money, and tea in China to invest in Dominica in agriculture, it will not make one bit of a difference right now,nor in the near future!
You claim that I have not utilized my commonsense; it is because of I using my commonsense, and my academic knowledge why I can tell you; the only way agriculture, and the banana industry will ever be fully revitalized in Dominica; is when we decided to rest the farm land for another sixty to seventy years, and then commence cultivation again. Your boy said the other day farming is a science. Indeed there is a simple science to farming, and that simple science is to stop planting on any bit of land after that portion of land has been worked for seven years.
That is a scientific, and also a Biblical fact: I suppose the Roman Catholic pope did not teach you that.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!
In any event that fact can also be found in the Roman Catholic Bible. God said when the land is cultivated for seven (7) years, it must be rested for seven years also. In agricultural science we know the reason. Within seven (7) years of sewing and reaping, all the nutrients in the land is used up, the land is no linger fertile; hence it becomes less productieve. Within the seven years the land is rested the nutrient replenishes, and the land becomes fertile again, therefore eliminating the use for artificially manufactured manure.
Haven’t you noticed the more fertilizer people give to bananas in Dominica is the less they yell? That is because the land is not responding to the regimen of artificial manure; I do not believe there is any agriculturist, or agronomist with any credible reputation who will refute that fact!
Perhaps you will, hopefully I know you will oui!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
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only now you want to start to work for our agri sector. man get out! change is a must!!!!!
People cannot only depend on the government. When they fail they blame the government. Hard work will get them somewhere. They must also have ideas on how to be successful.
You know the saying, “Early to bed, early to rise…” and “The early bird catches the worm.”
They must be willing to work hard and also offer suggestions to the government, the authorities in the agricultural department in addition to accepting advice from them. I reiterate that they should not be solely dependent on the government.
Granted, the weather has played a part in the destruction of plants and the erosion of soil. Nevertheless, persistence and perseverance pays in the long run.
Every country has its fair share of disasters. Consider, China is not exempt with cyclones and the likes. Farmers should learn a lesson from them.
The government should have a Chinese expert in the agricultural field speak to those farmers and educate them accordingly in order to motivate them.
If our government had contribute with that multi- million dollar as they ssy it could have build an international airport, Our government should focus more on development that will develop Dominica, all develop countries have an international airport.and they do not rely on agriculture, they create develops that will attrack visitors to come too their shores , the market is not that great , our country will never develop without an international airport,
Accept what is for at least now anyway. When you cannot do better you say no matter for now. Nothing happens before its time. What is to be will be in time. Why sweat yourself and over this matter? Can your words and anger change it or anything for that matter? Do what you can for the good of D/ca. Enjoy your life.
Pray for your country, for every Dominican in general. If some of you were doing that you would not express your anger and adverse views as you do. Peace perfect peace!
Why don’t you shut your mouth Matthew? You never had a voice before, why now? We all know elections is round the corner!
By the way Paix Bouche constituency, don’t you feel insulted by your so called palrep? Please show Matthew and his gang that you are much more intelligent than this come election day – or maybe I should say that Matthew is so relieved that he is departing from this corrupted dictator (Vladimir Putin) so he is making his final closing remarks in disguise. I knew from day one that Matthew has never supported Skerrit’s level of corruption.
Do you have a voice, a good one to assist D/ca? Have you ever done so? Will you be doing so in the future to assist your country and the farmers?
Where?
Matthew I use to have a little respect for you but now I have lost it all. You mean to say after 20 plus years in politics where you were in the opinion of most people A BIG FAILURE and a disaster to the people of Paix- Bouche, now you have so many multi-million ideas and projects coming up according to you, and now you going out? Why don’t you stay there to redeem yourself and the political future of your family. Like Bush, you cause Paix Bouche people to say they can never vote a Walter again. On your way out you seem to be painting a beautiful picture but somehow the fire of Skerrit to bad for you so you running? What a failure you have been to the entire Paix Bouche constituency
Let us face it. Everyone deserves a chance. Even you to amend your ways from being insulting with your comments. Did he insult you?
Some of you miss the point. A lot of talk/comments and no action. You are always throwing words; nothing constructive which can help anyone and to learn something from your comments. How can you sleep peacefully at night, no matter what time you go to bed?
That caption should have read “A multi-million dollar Fly-By- Night” modern agricultural center will be open during the 2014 Agricultural and Foresty Festival. Again, all we see is this government reacting to the tremendous pressure from all sides from the UWP. They have moved from fertilizer from Morocco to a so called Chinese Modern Agricultural Center, all in a matter of weeks. These jokers just do not have the testicular fortitude to come clean with the people of Dominica and more so the farmers and just say to us that after 15 years in office, we have only managed to fatten our pockets and that of our friends at the expense of the working poor people of this country. In their desperate, shameful and disgraceful response to the agricultural crisis which they have intentionally created, they are now resorting to bribing farmers with fertilizer which is likely to do more harm than good to their crops. Under this egregious government we have seen the advent of Black Sigatoka, Citrus Green disease, Tannia Burning disease, Chikungunya, high incidents of infant mortality at the PMH and the list goes on. This reminds me of the Old Testament times when the nation of Israel had disobeyed God by worshiping false gods – (Idolatry or Hero Worship.)In addition, the priests and Levites had become corrupt. As a result, the Lord had no choice but to exact His wrath on them. It may well be that we are experiencing the wrath of God for calling Skerrit “Jesus Christ” while pastors, priests and bishops are compromised by FILTHY LUCRE
My thought exactly for years, we need to move more into agro processing…congrats to the government and lets all work to make agriculture grow in this country…
More great news.
This is a good initiative that should have been done long time. Better late than never. I can hear Eddison James saying in his usual tone ” TOO LITTLE TOO LATE.”
Better late than never.
Everything takes time and will work out well in time, we hope. Keep up the optimism. This is also for all who gives it their blessings.
Aha now election coming all u trying all u trix to hold people again eh?? Not this time sacray boohoe. All u labour gov kill agriculture now all u talk in bout multi million dollar center. Man sorty boo dar mar ma dere eh!!!
You need to learn how to properly communicate and to be respectful on this Website. After all you are not commenting for yourself. Many worldwide are reading your ignorant comment. They are not all like you.
You are debasing this Website, the author of the article and yourself. What comes out from the mouths/fingers of people tell a lot about them and what is imbedded in their mind. What type of person are you anyway?
I do not see how your comment could have been posted. It is an ill-wind that blows nobody any good. Disgusting I would also say.
Great speech from an outgoing minister who spent 15 years doing nothing.
Them “RED HOT”. LaborRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR, Power!
Blah Blah Blah! It’s not today farmers are on the job. Act like you care now man!
I have questions for Matthew. Which government that has been investing tremendously in agriculture? You fooing or suffering from high fever thus loosing your senses? Change is a MUST my friend.
“I AM FOR CHANGE; ARE U?”
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
Election! Election! Election. Agriculture is on the front burner now! Everyone is speaking up and making promises. Unbelievable!!
Let us see and hear what you will say after election. Will it still be all politics for you?
