Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

The Jamaica Livestock Association (JLA) has expressed dissatisfaction that the organisation was not consulted before a decision was made to import chicken meat and eggs for the Christmas holidays.

In an interview with The Gleaner, Henry J. Rainford, the JLA's chief executive officer, said the organisation had been servicing the livestock industry for more than 65 years and should have been considered a part of the discussion regarding the importation of the items.

"We would think if they were going to do that, that the JLA would have even been advised," said Mr. Rainford.

He added: "We did not know about it (the importation of chicken meat and eggs) until we read it in the print media."

Agriculture Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, announced this week that a decision was made by the Government to permit duty-free importation of chicken meat during the Christmas season. The duty-free importation was to alleviate any possible shortage of the commodity during the holidays.

Prevent shortage

Dr. Tufton also noted that the Government made provisions for the importation of eggs and kidney beans to prevent any possible shortage of the commodities during the season.

However, Mr. Rainford said the JLA was also disappointed that its application to import eggs for the season was denied, while the Government imported the commodity.

He said an application to import two container loads of table eggs from the United States was made in November to the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands.

"No reason was given just that we received a letter stating that the application was denied," said Mr. Rainford.

Donovan Stanberry, Permanent Secretary in the agriculture ministry, was contacted last night but said he could not comment on the matter.

Dr. Tufton could not be reached for comment.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com