Cayman adds Colombia to list of possible food suppliers
(CNS): Agriculture Minister Jay Ebanks is looking at adding another country to the list of potential suppliers for the Cayman Islands in pursuit of greater food security as the world battles supply chain issues and inflation caused by a number of issues, including the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, compounded by climate change. Following a recent meeting with officials from Colombia, work is now underway to arrange further meetings and a scoping visit to the country.
“Our government is interested in exploring avenues to diversify and seek high quality and more affordable food sources within the region, in keeping with our goal to improve the well-being of our people,” Ebanks said in a press release this week. “With the ongoing and increasing threats to global food supplies, expanding regional trade is critical to our food security and economic stability.”
An agreed process for cooperation and support is being prepared and the Ministry of Agriculture is scheduled to have further discussions in the coming weeks.
“We will work to arrange technical meetings to discuss phytosanitary requirements concerning food imports from Colombia, logistics, as well as to organise a scoping mission to Colombia involving the private sector,” Ebanks added.
This initial visit included an exchange of ideas between the minister and Ambassador of Colombia to Jamaica Jairo Clopatofsky, Navy Attaché Captain Germán Rojas and Second Secretary, Head of the Consular Section Andrés Pérez-Rodríguez during a “courtesy call and hybrid meeting” held on Friday, 26 August, at the Government Administration Building.
Clopatofsky said there is immense opportunity for the Cayman Islands and Colombia to work together and that his country is ready to strengthen relations between the two countries.
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Category: Agriculture, Business
Thanks to the media, the uneducated public will expect higher prices.
So retailers are happy, since the can increase there nett profits.
Sourcing goods from affordable countries proofs the BS that is going on and retailers will take this reduction as a further increase of their margins and will NOT lower the prices.
Government needs to step in and freeze prices.
Retailers in cayman have made a fortune over the last decades.
It’s time to put a stop to that .
Unfortunately in cayman, ministers responsible don’t talk to us the people, instead they meet with retailers.
Nothing will change except a further increase of profits.
This idea could also lead to a bigger profit margin if Colombia’s favourite export is hidden in the produce
Jay should’ve consulted with KB about Cayman Airways flying to Panama instead of LA in November.
Everyone could have gone on scoping missions to Central and South America by Christmas.
Bots bad hang over and not sure if I understand this whole food voyages being undertaken by the Government. First off where are the supermarkets in all a this. Is government negotiating prices on their behalf,., is there some kinda afioso deal going on here. One would think that the Importes should be the ones leading this exercise ably (hmm) supported by government .
Let’s hear from the importes of food/ supermarkets where are you all in all a dis. Is it that Government is going to become a broker supplier of food thus diminishing their role?. Let’s get it clear before too late be the cry!
Grow up.
First of the Minister of Trade should be the one having talks with regional/international trade partners/players. As there no direct shipping routes from Colombia, which would still have to go through US and Jamaica ports. The same issue with air cargo and travel, which Cayman-Panama would be more viable route.
most of our food imports originating from Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Chile through the US. Cayman should be looking at Cuba, Mexico and Central America, Jamaica and/or CARICOM for perishable produce before targeting South America based on our current cargo infrastructure, trade routes, and policies to lessen our dependence on the US.
As each country faces food insecurity issues, the Minister of Agriculture should be looking ways to create our food security by increasing our self-suffiency and making local produce more affordable.
Here are some ways to increase our food security, without making harder than already is for our local farmers.
Promote and encourage young people to enter agribusiness, facilitate access to land and financing.
Educating about farm coops, public-private partnerships for agribusiness startups.
access to information, technology, skill development
Add farming to school curriculums, strengthen higher education in agriculture
Make agriculture profitable by reducing the costs of farming and doing business while at the same time productivity increases.
Providing some kind of crop insurance, as natural disasters occur.
These scoping missions are nothing more than a Photo-op and free trips.
If it was April 1st, I would take this to be a joke, but no, this is no laughing matter. I can’t believe what I’m seeing/reading/hearingand from the government every week, it seems. Pure reckless ideas and actions. These dudes are out of control!!
Why are we doing business with countries that have bad reputations for growing lots of illegal crops? Why not Belize, Costa Rica or Dominica Republic to name a few?
Are you guys considering the negative repercussions to our financial industry?
It will cut down on the Cubans landing here because the US Coast Guard will be patrolling our islands constantly.
02 @ 8:21 am – Not many got what you meant about the kind of “meat” in the cans from Colombia. Look whey day gone!
Jay went to Honduras recently for the same reason – was any results for the stated purpose achieved..? No.
Now Jay has gone all the way to Colombia for the same stated reason he went to Honduras. Will any results be achieved..? Doubtful. Maybe CNS can ask for an update in 6 months.
This Cabinet has too many members on trainer wheels..
This is the opportunity these unemployables grab to , live like kings , and enjoy as many freebies as they can cram in their 4 years as MPs.
The very definition of an unemployable for all his minions to follow…..and then wonder why they are unemployable….
Reminds me of Mac and his travel jaunts promoting “Cayman for business opportunities”….and it then turned out he was gambling 18hrs per day on his Govt credit card.
Remember that?
Does Jay own a bar in Cayman and is seeking a new workforce from these jaunts?
Third world politicians gets you third world politics.
This isn’t a bad idea but when turmoil hits and Colombia needs their food more than they need money from us, what will be the plan then? There needs to be a level of self sufficiency for our island and it doesn’t start with government. Governments all around the world have shown us that they don’t care about the people they are elected to represent. What only matters is stocking up on all the silverware before the ship sinks.
I urge everyone to just try to grow 1 crop for yourself. Two small pots and grow something. It is very rewarding when you get your first harvest and the lessons you will learn will stay with you forever. Its also great to teach children early about food and where it comes from. Hopefully it pushes everyone to try and grow even 10% of their food. I know that its not feasible for everyone, especially if you live in a strata or a building with no garden space but think of it this way, if everyone around you grows something then when you need something there are options for you purchase. So it would be best to learn and encourage others to do this.
We need to stop relying on the government to fix all our issues. Not only can they not, they don’t care about our issues because its no longer their issues. With upwards of 15k a month salary they no longer have the same concerns we have. They are far removed from the troubles of the average citizen. So its time to stop treating them like our betters with some god given knowledge and power that can fix everything.
The only people who care about you, is you.
Not a bad idea but as you have already pointed out many people do not have the land or space to grow their own food. The majority of people live in apartments/condos. I agree everyone should try for a grow box (which I plan to do). Crops though are limited to things like tomatoes, rocket and various herbs. I think it is sensible to try and find other countries to source imports from. It is not wise to rely solely on countries like the US to supply our food. the good old saying ‘don’t put all your eggs in one basket’ comes to mind.
I do agree with you on your point that we should be less reliant on the government. being overreliant on the state is never a good thing. They are there to serve the people but often fail miserably to do so. unfortunately, when it comes to where are food comes from we don’t have much of a say. But I think branching out our suppliers to central/south America and the rest of the Caribbean isn’t a bad idea.
Govt could also put aside public lots in each district where people are allocated/rent space to grow……
It happens all over the world in cities and towns; our UK rep could walk outside and confirm with their own eyes….
We would ofcourse need at least 12 consultant reports costing $10M to the public purse before confirming this over the next 30yrs.
only for generational Caymanians no doubt…
yep; the same generational ones that have sold their land away for Condo complexes no doubt…
I bought some local pumpkin and love that they come with seeds – ga 10 pots with sprouts right now. Super easy to grow. Same thing with a random papaya tree that sprouted in my yard – that’s now 6
I commend you. May I also suggest you start growing pineapples? There are quite easy. Just in case you don’t know -buy a pineapple from the supermarket ( when it starts to turn yellow it is ready to eat) grab a kitchen towel and twist the top out, pull away the bottom leaves to allow enough of the stem to insert in the soil. put it in the sun for a day or two, then plant it in a big pot ( a 5-6 gallon pot with good drainage holes ) fill it up with potting soil or garden soil and gravel. If you have space you can also easily grow it directly in the ground.Water well and place it in filtered sun. Once it starts to grow new leaves you can then put in full sun. Water about twice per week. Too much water will cause it to rot. It takes 9 months to a year to produce fruit. Happy growing!!
Pikotaro said it best.
You can sprout most seeds from veg and fruit bought at the shops..
Yes, however the majority of veg and fruits bought at the shops are not open-pollinated but hybrids, and thus often don’t reproduce true to the original plant. Still, a misshapen, bland melon is better than none at all.
Oh no. Now we got to worry what kind of meat is really in those corned beef cans.
You aren’t worried already? Only Colombian corned beef uses suspect meat?
Sweet baby Jesus.
Woosh.
Yeah, because Grace’s corned beef is made from…..?
Double Woosh.
Love your “Woosh” and “Double woosh” which obviously went over most people’s heads..
Thus illustrating the difference between mere Schooling and Education.
Free trip
Narcos – Cayman.
Soon to be on Netflix.
How’s Fahie doing these days?
That’s amazing! You see exactly what I see. My mind went exactly to Fahie.
I’ll take 2 bricks upon your first return flight Jay 😉
WTF is the strategy here? Stronger ties to 3rd world countries known for political corruption can only bring us down.
Manley started the final downfall of Jamaica by getting into bed with Cuba..
Our esteemed shortsighted uneducated and greedy leaders doing the same to Cayman..?
Michael Manley did destroy Jamaica. Hence the mass exodus.
Movement of Jah people.
Depending solely on the US for food importation is the answer?
It’s the biggest food producer and is conveniently located, so yeah. Try eliminating duty on non-luxury food. You can afford to, and it would help everyone right away. Cabinet could do this at their next meeting.
Everyone get ready for some updated CRS Reportable Jurisdictions and Guidance Notes from the OECD/DITC….
Okay, but don’t push the local farmer out of his or her own market.
they have done that to themsleves…u see the price of local mangoes?
That’s the supermarket’s mark-up.
We have the most expensive mangoes in the world. How can mangoes be cheaper in Canada than here?
Because they are Mexican and there is no DUTY. Get rid of your duty on food essentials.
So they have to import the mangoes and then they still mark it up to make a profit and yet they’re still cheaper than tjose accessible in most backyards here in Cayman?
Please say you are being sarcastic.
What’s in the box Jay is holding ? Looks like a square grouper to me
And how do we know it’s value is less than $500?
Yeah more money to launder through the washing machine eh? Property management looking good these days clean as whistle dollas a run pan de road Big wheeels and big deals.
Won’t be long before Jay is “scoping” the whole of South America, boy he loves those business trips with all the perks. When is he going back to Honduras?.
I can only agree with Mr. Roy Bodden’s comments. These guys are going about this the wrong way.
Has this government lost their minds??!!! Why are they wanting to connect us with third world countries?? This will only bring Cayman down – we need to be linking up with countries that will bring us up not take us down!! I’ve had enough of PACT, you guys are dangerous – time for a change!!
You can take the man out of the garrison but you will never take the garrison out of the man!
Memba dat!!
For the records, third world countries is not PC. They are called developing countries. Third world is a western concept after they stole from these countries to develop their own. We should do some serious homework and educate ourselves about why these countries are in the state they are today
For the record, grow a pair, snowflake.
Would the Hon. Minister describe the most likely methods of cost-effectively transporting Colombian produce to Cayman? Considering there are no direct flights and ocean shipping of some products might not be conducive with “freshness”.
Are semi-submersibles being considered?
Just asking for a friend.
The most effective and cost savings method to transport Colombian produce would be to pad the products with some Coke Zero.
7.45pm He’s already thought of that – a fleet of high speed,low profile canoes with protection around the propellers to deflect excess weed.
Seaweed?
I know it’s a cliche, but you really can’t make this shit up. I love this place!
Strategic moves, Jay (with my tongue firmly in cheek)! Jamaica, Honduras now Colombia. Hmm.
However, I recall with pleasant memories of the days of yore (the glorious, decadent 80s), when another product of Colombia was almost like food to me.
Oh, what you say Jay “It’s not like that anymore!”?
Just what the cartel have been waiting for. A soft ‘under the radar’ transshipment base to the US. Just a matter of time before we make world news!!
Can’t make this $hit up. PACT is a bundle of idiots. Wayne help…. If you can please. Stop these insane actions.
Dual destination tourism, floating cruise ship docks, importing “food” from Columbia. Am I in a bad dream?
Cuba, jamaica, Honduras , now Colombia . This Minister is sure racking up some miles.
Negotiating protected routes for “high value” shipments with local “Kingpins”.
This is actually a serious threat to National Security. WTH?
WTF was the Colombian Naval Attaché doing at that meeting?
His job! A naval attaché is a naval officer detailed on duty with the diplomatic representative of his country at a foreign capital.
Yeah. Usually to deal with naval or military affairs. Not agricultural trade deals.
So government does what exactly – gives duty concessions on the importation of Colombian produce? Provides CAL flights to fly it in? force Fosters, Kirks and Hurleys to stock it? About the only part of that that makes sense is the first part, and that can just be done by removing duty on unprocessed food.
While ‘not pouring too much cold water ‘ on these ‘scoping out ‘ exercises, the most effective solution is right here in these islands. There are enough small and medium sized farmers to produce a reasonable supply of fresh produce. Any observant person can get an idea of the potential by just noting the number of informal vendors who sell their produce along the side of the roads. Add these to those vendors at the Farmer’s Market and one realizes that with some organization these islands can produce a reasonable amount of fresh food crops.
The problem is that there is no plan … no organization… no marshalling of the resources to ensure that the best use is made of the arable land. No technical support and advice available to the farmers and no system in place to ensure that once the crops are ready ,there is an available market so that the small farmer does not have to spend time away from the farm trying to market his /her produce.
Agriculture , like much else in these islands is run as an adhocracy . This being the case the industry will never rise beyond the level of subsistence. While I commend the Minister for seeking alternate supplies , I strongly recommend that he surround himself with those persons with the organizational skills and the passion and the ability to organize the local farmers into becoming a more efficient and economically vibrant entity.
Has anyone explored the idea of forming an Agricultural Co-Op among the local small farmers . A Co-Op with its own marketing system where the farmers can receive payment for their produce upon delivery. Thus allowing them cash to further invest and freeing them up to return to the business of farming. A Co-op which will provide education and orientation on which crops to plant according to the time of year and how to rotate crops and practise ‘companion planting’ so as to get the best produce from the soil.
It is my opinion that with some effort and organization much more can be done with regards to food security . I am not suggesting that we can be completely free from the importation of all food stuff but by the same token , I am not convinced that we are that badly off that we have to depend upon imports for our every need from eggs to yams.
Here’s the challenge for the PACT political directorate , show us your mettle by leading us to a programme of greater local food production in the time you have left in office.
MrBodden you should have done all this when you were an elected official, younow have the answers.
Roy had his chance. He blew it.
Please, Roy, that seems too smart for a bunch of people who like the perception of accomplishment only. Very sad when any people in places to make a change here don’t do it. We are small islands and could be way more self sufficient if there weren’t renewable energy blocks (CUC and its shareholders), as well as our dependency on food from the US.
Adhocracy is the perfect description of these Islands Roy. Bingo.
lets get real. How many people will be willing to pay more for local produce compared to imported.
You don’t have any decent farmland to speak of. Little vegetable plots are fine for home use but can’t fill a grocery store. Eliminate the duty on non-luxury food imports and you’d help everyone. You can afford it, it’s simple and quick to do, and it requires no management, consultants, or airfares.
Hydroponics are the answer to Caymans lack of quality farmland, and soil.
Glass houses, lots of them, to grow vegetables and fruit all year and protected against the salt wind.
Pretty sure this will be profitable for some and get DEA attention.
There is a history
Imports from Columbia, huh!
Good ole Jay. Staying true to form!
Let’s see how manny of these potential food distributors become confirmed distributors…
hasn’t worked before…won’t work this time either.
eat less, live longer.
They have the best baby wipes.
–as was recently discovered😊
Two major exports, very different but both addictive.
I already know what kind of food I want!
This will certainly make it easier to transport all kinds of products..
What happened to the last agreement with Honduras? Nothing after the photo op and freebie trip.
Let’s just get on with the agricultural exports from Jamaica and Honduras. What happened to all the discussions and agreements with those 2 countries?
Much easier and closer to bring agricultural imports in from those 2 countries because shipping cost are much lower.
Let’s displace those American agricultural imports through Miami.
An excellent destination for another “fruitful scoping” boys trip like to last one to Honduras! And don’t forget Cuba old boy. How can i get on the invite list?