Minister of Agriculture, Dr Christopher Tufton. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Agriculture Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton, has served notice that several permits issued for the importation of chicken leg quarters might be revoked, if he confirms that some companies share directors and/or business interests.

Among 25 companies that were given permits are two entities for which a popular businessman is listed as a director.

Checks with the Companies Office of Jamaica revealed that, among the list of importers sharing surnames, as well as home and business addresses, were companies that got registered in late September.

The permits were issued in October and November, by the ministry, for importation of one container (25,000 kilogramme) of leg quarters each.

"This could be a manipulation," Tufton said, when informed of the names and addresses linked to some of the companies. "(Where) some people wanting to benefit apply with different companies."

He noted that he had not been previously aware of who owned the companies.

"This is not the objective (of issuing licences). It is to promote more players. What we will do is revoke those licences because it would be contrary to our aim," Tufton vowed.

Checks with the companies office showed that two directors from One Touch Tours and Equipment Limited - registered as a bus charter rental services entity - shared a surname and address with a director of Lanvintar Limited - registered as contractors.

One Touch and Lanvin-tar were both recently granted permits for importation of chicken meat.

The authenticity of another importer, Klassic Sales Distributor, could not be verified by the Companies Office.

An official from the ministry told The Gleaner that registered companies must apply to the Veterinary Services Division for the granting of a licence.

Cutting middle man

Before the licence is granted, a physical inspection is done of the premises to ensure health standards are met and that there is access to cold storage facilities.

"We wanted to cut out what we call the 'car trunk man' to ensure that the wholesome product goes into the retail outlet," said the officer, who requested anonymity.

Two of the new importers, Mystic Imports Limited and Target Imports Limited, listed business addresses at 26 Old Hope Road in St Andrew.

Princess Distributors, Orchid Meat Distributors and Stallion Import Limited all have the same registered address - 10 South Avenue in St Andrew.

Protecting local suppliers

Last night, Tufton remained adamant that the move to grant permits for the importation of leg quarters was intended to stave off any increase in the price of chicken meat, while protecting local suppliers, as the market experiences a peak in demand for birds during the Yuletide season.

Due to ongoing concerns about the minister's intervention, Tufton yesterday met with poultry growers and representatives of Jamaica Broilers and Caribbean Broilers, the leading suppliers of chicken meat, to work through the differences.

A statement from the ministry noted that poultry growers and the Government had agreed on a process that would improve the quality of dialogue relating to chicken demand, production and imports.