GRENADA: Approximately 960 farmers and fisher folks are set to benefit from an EC$11.6 million payout as part of hurricane relief measures being implemented by the Congress administration of Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell following significant damages caused by Hurricane Beryl last month.
Minister for Agriculture Lennox Andrews detailed a two-fold plan aimed at providing immediate relief to farmers while developing a comprehensive redevelopment strategy for the agriculture industry at a press conference in St. George’s on Wednesday.
Minister Andrews disclosed that immediate relief efforts include “one-off payments to registered farmers; and (those with) “less than five acres of land will receive “EC$4,500, (while those) with more than five acres will receive EC$9,000.”
He said that unregistered “farmers assessed to have sustained damages are also eligible for similar payments based on their plot sizes.”
The “Poultry and livestock farmers will be assisted with supplies such as fencing material and repairs to pens,” he told reporters.
“Bee producers will receive supplies like boxes, extractors, and frames, said the minister who added that the government is also “considering requests for quality bees.”
For “fishers,” he said that assistance will include repairing boats and engines and purchasing new engines if necessary (while) Seamoss producers will be provided with ropes, floats, and dry houses.
In order to access the financial support, persons will be required to provide their bank information and NIS number, and farmers ID.
In addition to direct financial and material aid, the government announced that it will also waive the Value Added Tax (VAT), Common External Tariff (CET), and Customs Service Charges on essential imports and local purchases to facilitate recovery efforts.
According to Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall, the new incentive measures are specifically aimed at reconstructing physical infrastructure following the devastation of Beryl.
“Government will grant a waiver of VAT on local purchases, while imported goods and materials will also face waivers of the CET, VAT, and Customs Service Charge,” he said.
Minister Cornwall noted that these measures would result in significant revenue loss for the government but emphasised that only those directly affected by Hurricane Beryl would benefit.
He also stressed the importance of compliance with the building code when reconstructing or building to qualify for tax incentives.
“Beneficiaries must have been directly affected by Hurricane Beryl,” said Cornwall who explained that all beneficiaries must comply with the building code when reconstruction or constructing a building.
“If you want to get the tax incentives, you have to ensure that you are building to the appropriate code,” chipped in Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell at the press conference.
“This includes using hurricane straps, screws instead of nails, and ensuring that the designs for homes are done in a way that minimises damage,” he remarked.
The measures were announced by the government following a damage and needs assessment done by the Extension and Agronomy Division which concluded that 85% of the agricultural sector in the parishes of St. John, St. Mark, St. Patrick, St. Andrew, and the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique were affected by Beryl resulting in significant losses for persons.
-With Agency Input
