Connect with us

News

RED STRIPE TO INVEST US$10 MILLION OVER FIVE YEARS

Published

on

KINGSTON, 09 Oct 2014 (Jamaica Information Service) – Local brewing company, Red Stripe, says it will invest US$10 million over the next five years to set up a cassava supply chain, as it moves to use the tuber to offset barley imports utilised in beer production.

“It is not just about growing cassava, it’s about setting up a cassava supply chain. We have a big ambition for cassava and it is going to take a massive investment,” said Managing Director, Red Stripe, Cedric Blair.
Mr. Blair was addressing government officials, which included Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller and Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, following a tour of the Spanish Town Road facility on October 8.

To date, the company has spent US$1.1 million on the first phase of its Project Grow initiative and is committing to invest even more over the next five years.

“Our preliminary numbers from our farmers is that under this pilot, we will produce about 70 tonnes per hectare. This means that we will produce more cassava on our pilot farm than the rest of Jamaica combined,” Mr. Blair stated.

He said the company’s plan is to get to 2,500 acres within the next three to five years and to employ one person per acre.

Mr. Blair informed that the company also plans to train an additional 39 Jamaicans to work on its cassava farms as well as invest a further US$800,000 to equip a cassava factory for processing activities.

“The processing plant will be up and running by January 2015 and we will be reaping cassava in February, and so, we will be making beer from locally grown cassava starting February of next year,” he informed.
Mr. Blair further pointed out that under phase two of the project, Red Stripe will add another 142 hectares at a cost of approximately US$200,000.

Under phase three, the brewing company will develop a second cluster of farms within the parishes of St. Catherine, St. Ann and St. Mary, which will see an additional 200 hectares and plans for further expansion to about 1,000 hectares.

He informed that the final phase of the project will see the development of a third cluster in St. Elizabeth, Manchester, and Trelawny for another 200 hectares, with a view to expanding this to another 1,000 hectares.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Simpson Miller commended the company for its foresight and innovation in developing such a “trailblazing project.”

“We celebrate Red Stripe’s cassava innovation, which is having direct economic impact on hundreds of farmers and workers,” she said.

“I’m pleased to learn that the 36 acres under cassava cultivation will be expanded in the next twelve months to incorporate 400 acres through engaging contract farmers. While you’re doing business, you’re providing jobs for our farmers,” the Prime Minister noted.

Mrs. Simpson Miller said greater levels of investments are required to realise the enormous possibilities of the production of cassava starch and other products along the value chain.

“These include flour, bammy, bread, paper, pills and other pharmaceutical products. We need more companies, big and small, to follow the example of Red Stripe to look at how to retool their businesses,” she added.
Mrs. Simpson Miller said Red Stripe’s investments are aligned with the Government’s firm and ongoing efforts to build a new Jamaican economy on the platforms of culturally inspired creativity and innovation.

“Through this transformational move, you’re taking your business operations to the next level, while taking Jamaica to the next level as well. Red Stripe is making business decisions that will lead to increased earnings for your shareholders and job security for your workers,” the Prime Minister said.

For his part, Minister Hylton also lauded the brewing company for its investment in Jamaica.
He noted that Red Stripe’s strategy for growth parallels the government’s national strategy for growth, which is investment in technology and innovation.

“It involves reworking your processes, putting good quality management and workers at the forefront and consistency in working your strategy,” the Minister said.

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

Bahamas News

Bahamas Government to meet with SpaceX

Published

on

PRESS STATEMENT

Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

 

The Bahamas, February 6, 2025 – A delegation inclusive of all relevant agencies is meeting with SpaceX officials as The Islands of The Bahamas finalise preparations for the historic landing of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster on February 17.

This landmark moment will make The Bahamas the first international destination to host the Falcon 9 rocket booster landings. This historic event, set to take place off the coast of The Exumas, marks a significant leap for The Bahamas into the realm of space tourism.

The collaboration between Bahamian officials and SpaceX positions The Bahamas as a key player in the growing space tourism industry, with 20 scheduled landings to take place in Bahamian waters on autonomous drone ships. The country will be the exclusive location to witness these remarkable events, offering unique economic opportunities and advancements in technology.

The delegation includes senior representatives from the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, and the Port Department.

The relevant senior officials will remain on hand during the launch sequence and launch and ascent. They are fully engaged to ensure all safety, regulatory, and operational measures are in place for the scheduled landing. Every effort is being made to facilitate this historic event while maintaining the highest standards.

Further details regarding the landing and related activities will be forthcoming.

The Hon. I. Chester Cooper
Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

Continue Reading

News

Decomposing Body Found

Published

on

***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

Turks and Caicos, February 5, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is investigating the discovery of a decomposing body found in the vicinity of Delco Yard, Snake Hill, Blue Hills.

At approximately 7:45 pm on Tuesday, January 15, 2025, officers received information regarding the presence of a body in a ditch near Delco Yard.  A team of officers and the TCI Regiment were deployed to the scene.

Upon arrival, officers confirmed the presence of a deceased male wearing black jeans and blue Jordan sneakers. The deceased had a black locks hairstyle. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition.

If you have any information that could assist in identifying the deceased or in the ongoing investigation, please call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 (TIPS).

Information can also be shared via the Crime Stoppers P3 app.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

Continue Reading

Caribbean News

S Hotel Kingston Partners with Bob Marley Foundation to Celebrate Kingston as the Cultural Capital

Published

on

KINGSTON, JAMAICA, [February 6, 2024] – In celebration of Bob Marley’s 80th birthday, S Hotel Kingston has partnered with the Bob Marley Foundation to launch an immersive “Explore Kingston” initiative, spotlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage. The collaboration features a dynamic new video that showcases Kingston in the world’s music culture.

Widely regarded as the heart of Jamaica’s artistic and musical legacy, Kingston takes center stage in this captivating video, which highlights iconic sites such as the Bob Marley Museum, Trench Town Culture Yard, Tuff Gong International, and Kingston Creative’s Water Lane Art Walk. The video offers an inspiring glimpse into the city’s cultural essence and its deep connection to reggae music.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Bob Marley Foundation to bring this experience to life,” said Christopher Issa, CEO of S Hotels Jamaica. “This initiative is not only a celebration of Bob Marley’s birthday but also a tribute to the creative spirit that makes Kingston the beating heart of Jamaica.”

S Hotel Kingston embraces this cultural legacy throughout the property. Each room is equipped with a Bob Marley record player. The hotel’s Strings Cafe and Bar features a stunning zinc mural with an impression of Bob Marley, serving as a striking backdrop that pays homage to Kingston’s artistic roots, along with an 8-ft guitar. Additionally, a Bob Marley statue stands as a tribute to the legendary artist, further reinforcing the hotel’s deep connection to Jamaica’s music history.

For more information on S Hotel Kingston, please visit http://www.shotelkingston.com. To view the “Explore Kingston” video, follow S Hotel Kingston on social at @shotelkingstonjm.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING