Jamaicans Can Still Get Coconut Water

Jamaicans can still buy coconut water from the Coconut Industry Board (CIB), on Waterloo Road in Kingston, despite the impact of Hurricane Melissa.

In an interview with JIS News, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CIB, Shaun Cameron, said the Board is also pushing steadfastly to resume operations at farms in the west.

“From a positive perspective and a productive standpoint, while we’re in shock, we haven’t lost the productive sector, so we’ll be able to bounce back. We have been spared the brunt in the coconut sector in terms of St. Thomas, St. Mary, Portland, and St. Catherine. Jamaicans will still have access to coconut water based on our estimation, which is a positive,” he said.

Due to the intense winds from the category-five hurricane, young female flowers were destroyed, which will result in longer production periods for the sector.

Mr. Cameron said the focus at this time is on team members who have been affected, helping farmers who have lost their crop and Jamaicans in the west who have suffered loss.

“We physically go on farms, which our team is currently doing now on the damage. Unfortunately, the resuscitation of the sector will take a significant hit, because our key hybridisation farm has been destroyed,” he said.

The Coconut Industry Board is an 80-year-old statutory body established by the Coconut Industry Control Act of 1945.

It is responsible for monitoring and informing the Government of Jamaica of the state of the coconut industry; advising growers of agronomic best practices and providing quality planting materials.

For support, impacted farmers can reach the Board by calling 876-926-1770.