With the grand opening of Sandals Beaches Resort in St. Vincent
and the Grenadines just around the corner on March 27, 2024, the focus has
shifted to the integral role local farmers will play in supplying the resort
with agricultural produce. The government is hinting at a pivotal role for
specific entities, including Rayneau Industries, as aggregators through which
farmers will channel their produce.
Credits:IwitnessNews - Govt, Sandals, and aggregators engaging
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves recently disclosed that
Rainforest Seafood, a Jamaican-owned company linked to Sandals, will be the
seafood supplier for the resort. Emphasizing the need for aggregators in the
supply chain, Gonsalves made it clear that Sandals would not directly purchase
from individual farmers.
In response, Sandals clarified its ongoing discussions with the
Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders since the project's inception
two years ago. The resort commended the government's identification of
aggregators, including Rayneau Industries, to facilitate a seamless connection
between local farmers and the resort.
This aligns with the 2020 agreement, where Sandals committed a
minimum of US$100 million for the resort's construction and rehabilitation,
focusing on employing around 700 Vincentians and emphasizing specific
quantities of various agricultural products needed annually.
Local Produce
Sandals reiterated its dedication to engaging with local
communities, pointing to its successful track record in Jamaica, where over 90%
of fresh produce is locally sourced. Recognizing the logistical challenges of
dealing with numerous individual suppliers, Sandals welcomed the government's
initiative in identifying aggregators to streamline the procurement process.
Prime Minister Gonsalves urged local farmers and fisherfolk to
seize the significant market opportunity within their reach, eliminating the
need to export to other islands. Sandals expressed enthusiasm about building
robust relationships with local stakeholders, including Rayneau Industries, and
maximizing the mutual benefits of tourism in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
As the resort's opening date approaches, the collaborative efforts between Sandals, local farmers, and aggregators like Rayneau Industries promise not only to boost the tourism sector but also to bring about a transformative impact on the agricultural community in the region.
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