Local News Food initiative provides $10 000 in produce for Bajans in need Barbados Today23/09/20220332 views Minister of Elder Affairs and People Empowerment Kirk Humphrey (second right), chairperson of the Kiwani’s Club of Barbados North community services committee Emmerson Beckles (right), managing director of Multinational Wholesalers Antonio Waterman (second left) and director of Carigro Damian Bowen (left) are all smiles at the handing over of the produce. Scores of Barbadians will benefit from the Vincy/Bim Food Market initiative of two companies here and Vincentian farmers who have provided more than $10 000 worth of fruits, vegetables, and other ground provisions for people in need. During the handover of the produce to the Ministry of Elder Affairs and People Empowerment and the Kiwanis Club of Barbados North on Wednesday, CariGro Services Inc. and Multinational Wholesalers said they wanted to engage in a give back initiative to help Barbadians grappling with the high cost of living. “We recognised that there were some families in need and we have taken some of our items we have for sale from the region and internationally . . . . We understand that this is a trying time and we are willing to help and give our support,” said Antonio Waterman, managing director of the Six Roads, St Philip based Multinational Wholesalers where the handover took place. The produce includes bananas, avocados, onions, beets, kiwis, plantains, and yams. Farmers from neighbouring St Vincent who are part of the initiative send produce to Barbados. Director of CariGro Services Inc. Damian Bowen explained that the intention was not to undercut Barbadian farmers but to fill gaps in local production. He said the concept originated as a solution to the challenges associated with regional trade that were negatively impacting Vincentian farmers. Minister of Elder Affairs and People Empowerment Kirk Humphrey and the chairperson of the Kiwanis Club of Barbados North community services committee Emmerson Beckles expressed gratitude for the donation. Humphrey encouraged other businesses to engage in similar acts of kindness to assist people in these hard economic times. He added that his ministry would soon be launching a programme in which it would partner with families and businesses to assist less fortunate households with meals. Beckles, meantime, said his organisation usually distributes hampers to residents in his district and the donated produce would be among the items used in the next batch of packages. (SZB)