 |
|
St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas (l) is escorted by Brazil's Foreign Minister, His Excellency Celso Amorim folowing talks in Brasilia, Brazil recently. (Photo by Erasmus Williams) |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, APRIL 21ST 2005 (CUOPM) - Brazil has agreed to assist the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and other sugar producing Caribbean nations in the diversification of their sugar industries.
St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas said Brazils President, His Excellency Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Foreign Minister, His Excellency Celso Amorim, say Brazilian officials will be meeting with representatives of all the sugar producing Caribbean nations in Jamaica.
That meeting he said is to discuss in full detail the alternative uses of the sugar cane plant apart from the production of sugar as a sweetener.
Prime Minister Douglas during a recent visit to the SSMC Transition Office said the diversification of the sugar industry will also result in a massive improvement in food crop agricultural projects that have started over the years.
Since the announcement that the sugar industry will be closed at the completion of the reaping of the 2005 crop, officials of government and the St. Kitts Sugar Manufacturing Corporation (SSMC) have been meeting with a Scottish group which has indicated an interest in the manufacturing of whisky and rum. Talks are also taking place with investors in hydroponics.
The Agronomy Unit of the SSMC is also growing a high fiber sugar cane variety which can be used for the cogeneration of electricity.
