The local cocoa industry is getting a much needed financial boost as the private sector and Government have partnered to promote sustainable business ventures in rural areas.
Speaking at the launch of the Cocoa Community Project at Courts Megastore, San Juan, yesterday Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries, Clarence Rambharat, said a maximum of $600,000 had been allocated to assist cocoa farmers in Brasso Seco, Grande Riviere, Biche and Cuche to develop, market and promote their products which were “totally local.”
Joining hands with Unicomer (Trinidad) Ltd, the Machel Montano Foundation for Greatness and the ministry, the Alliance of Rural Communities of T&T (ARCTT) was formed to facilitate and amplify the efforts of the rural chocolate companies and their affiliated projects.
A proud product of the rural countryside, Rambharat said his life had been influenced by having to grow up studying without electricity, attending school with non-functioning toilets and ensuring he stayed far away from protruding bench nails which could damage his school uniform.
Indicating that they had a responsibility to rural T&T, Rambharat said too often decision-makers introduce measures without fully understanding the consequences of their decisions but that it was a nice change to see hardworking business owners striking out in the field of business development.
Eager to witness such projects being undertaken, Rambharat said Government’s support for the venture was being translated through the capable hands of chairman of the Agricultural Development Bank as well as the Cocoa Development Company, Winston Rudder.
Pleased thus far with their achievements, Rambharat said Government’s mandate to develop the rural cocoa industry was becoming a reality.
Pledging his continued support for such projects, the minister urged the chocolatiers to push on with their vision to develop the non-traditional sectors of the economy.
With ten communities selected to receive a grant of $60,000 each to develop their products, Rambharat urged the team that was set to head to Seattle, Washington, later this year for the Northwest Chocolate Festival to establish themselves as a Caribbean force to be reckoned with.
Rambharat also urged Rudder to assist the team in any way he could.
Gillian Goddard, of ARCTT, said they had formed the non-profit entity to support and develop financially independent and community-owned businesses, utilising rural resources and labour.