Stann Creek West Retracts Gloomy Review of Citrus Industry

The citrus industry has been experiencing a decline in production for years. But, is it really on the brink of flat lining?  Rodwell Ferguson, the Area Representative for Stann Creek West gave a dismal review of the industry early last week. A few days later, Doctor Louis Zabaneh, the Area Representative for Dangriga, announced that the industry is under reconstruction. Both area representatives shared differing views on the outlook of the industry. But, on Wednesday, Ferguson announced on Open Your Eyes morning show that he is retracting his statement and in support of a rebounding citrus industry. Here is how he explained his position.

Rodwell Ferguson

Rodwell Ferguson, Area Representative, Stann Creek West

“I am a product of the citrus industry. I started to work in the industry at the early age of sixteen and I left and entered politics in 2002. So, I worked in the industry from 1978-2002. I retract my original statement, because while I say there is a decline in the industry, which there is, because at one point in time the industry peaked eight million boxes. When you use to pass the Stann Creek Valley in Pomona and Bella Vista, you use to see trucks, tractors, trailers in companies compound all the way to the highway. I have not seen that over the last twelve years. Matter of fact, when I pass the company I might see one or two trucks in the compound. I had to make that declaration to say something is wrong with the industry. But based on Minister Zab’s report, he says the industry is rebuilding. So, if it is rebuilding, it will take a stage to get back to original standard. So, I want to retract my original statement.”