Johnson tells Jamaicans to get busy with food business
July 1, 2011
Jamaican High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Anthony Johnson has urged Jamaicans in the UK to take control of the importation of ethnic foods into the country.
Addressing a community meeting in Walsall recently, Mr. Johnson noted that while Jamaicans continued to consume traditional foods in large quantities, other communities were benefitting from the related commerce.
“We have to start bringing in the food ourselves. A lot of the food that is being consumed is coming from other tropical countries and our farmers need the support of the Diaspora. Even a product like ackee which is mostly consumed by Jamaicans is now being planted in Asia, Africa and Central America. It is because they realise the tremendous market that exists. It is important that we take control of the market and ensure that our community benefits from this vibrant business,” he said.
He brought the audience up to date with developments in Jamaica including the reduction in crime, growth in tourism and agriculture and the repair of roads under the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme.
He encouraged those in attendance to consider investing in Jamaica, outlining the opportunities that exist for home ownership and business establishment.
He said: “Over the years many people have been reluctant to return to Jamaica or to invest their money there because of the crime problem. The government is rapidly bringing that under control and we have seen great progress in restoring safety and security.
We have an improving health and education system and while some things might not be as you are used to in Britain we are making steady progress in development and you will find most amenities very satisfactory.”
Earlier in the day Mr Johnson paid a courtesy call on the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Gary Clarke.