Support for Pig Farmers

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has partnered with the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) to assist pig farmers to boost pork production to meet increasing market demand.

Labour Minister, Hon. Derrick Kellier, who was addressing the Montpelier Agricultural and Industrial Show in St. James on April 1, said both entities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will provide assistance to participating JAS farmers.

“Some weeks ago in Kingston, we signed that agreement with the (JAS) President, Senator Norman Grant, and we intend to roll out the programme during the course of this year, so that persons in the JAS can get some support from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to develop their herds, so that we will have pork of the highest quality,” he said.

Minister Kellier, in the meantime, praised the parish’s farmers, whom, he said, remain “very resilient and hardworking” despite the challenges of drought and storms.

“The displays that we see that the farmers have brought out, tells you that we really have a dedicated and hardworking set of farmers in this parish.  For them to endure the drought and the hurricane and they are still standing here on their feet, it means that they are serious people and we owe a lot to these farmers,” he stated.

Minister Kellier urged the farmers to ensure that they become contributing members of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), which will provide benefits for themselves and their families, when they can no longer work.

“I, therefore, encourage all of you that are not yet registered with the NIS, to go and get yourselves registered, because there are benefits there for you to get, not only for you, but for your family members. If you should pass on, there are death grants that you will be able to get which will help to bury you. But if you are not a member of the NIS you will not be entitled to it … the NIS is a saving for your future,” he told them.

By Glenis A. Rose, JIS Reporter