The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is expressing concern with Government plans to divest facilities at the Agricultural Marketing Corporation (AMC).

Shadow Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Dayton Campbell, Shadow Minister of Investment, Trade and Global Logistics Anthony Hylton, and Junior Shadow Spokesperson on Agriculture and Water Paul Blake, proprietors expressed concerns about the government’s divestment plans and their potential impact on the local agricultural sector due to what the PNP is calling a “lack of transparency”.

“The opposition is deeply concerned about the government’s plan to divest the Agricultural Marketing Corporation without proper consultation with stakeholders,” said Campbell. “It is unacceptable that proprietors have been left in the dark about the future of this vital facility.”

Campbell emphasised the importance of agriculture for growth and development, suggesting the government should focus on upgrading facilities like AMC to offer better services and increase profitability, despite decreased productivity.

For his part, Hylton suggested that the facility’s upgrade/rebuilding can be funded through concessional or bilateral sources, avoiding private high-priced financing, which would hinder the export agricultural sector’s competitiveness.

The Opposition is recommending the following to the Jamaican government:

1. Upgrades the facility to offer enhanced services and infrastructure, 
2. Solarise the facility to reduce energy costs and promote sustainability, 
3. Repair and maintain the non-operational cold storage facilities,
4. Incorporate fumigation services to enhance the facility’s capabilities.

They are pleading with the government to prioritise the long-term interests of local farmers and entrepreneurs by engaging in transparent consultations and considering alternative solutions to divestment.

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