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Three Months Supply of Eggs for Haitian Refugees

March 17, 2004

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Yet another hand of kindness has been extended to the Haitian refugees currently in the island, with the Jamaica Egg Farmers Association donating three months supply of eggs worth about $160,000.00The Association will deliver the eggs on a weekly basis, with a promise to continue should there be a need.
Speaking at the handing over today at the Ministry on Old Hope Road in Kingston, Agriculture Minister, Roger Clarke said the donation was a show of goodwill, and further highlighted the pivotal role that the local egg industry continued to play in the nation’s food security.
Mr. Clarke noted that the gift would greatly assist the Jamaican Government in meeting some of the challenges in feeding the 134 Haitians, pointing out that eggs were one of the cheapest sources of protein and also a provider of small to significant amounts of other vitamins and minerals needed for human health.
Vice President of the Association, Ian Banks, spoke of the organisation’s commitment to the cause, and thanked members who had agreed to supply the eggs on a rotational basis.
Major Denzil Walcott, Community Relations Secretary with responsibility for Disaster Services in the Salvation Army, received the eggs. He said the support displayed by the Jamaican Government and its citizens was an admirable one.
Commenting on the performance of the egg industry, Mr. Clarke said the sector produced just under 131 million eggs in 2003 with an estimated market value of over $1 billion. He informed that this represented an increase of over $312 million when compared with the 2002 value of $718 million. “Based on the figures, it is clear the industry has surpassed its estimated market potential of $1 billion,” he noted.
The industry’s achievement of self-sufficiency has enabled the export of eggs to Trinidad and Tobago with 104,000 dozen eggs being shipped to the twin island last November. The association has also been seeking markets in Antigua, St. Lucia and the Cayman Islands.

Last Updated: March 17, 2004

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