Caribbean News
Coconut Industry Board Targeting Property Acquisitions in St. Mary
#Jamaica, May 07, 2018 – Kingston – Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw, says Cabinet approval is being sought for the Coconut Industry Board’s (CIB) acquisition of two properties and one facility in St. Mary, to enable further expansion of the entity’s commercial activities. These, he says, are: the 1,028-acre Water Valley Farm; the 700-acre Unity Valley Farm; and the Richmond cocoa fermentery.
It is expected, among other things, that a nursery and factory will be established at Water Valley to facilitate value added coconut processing, while trees will also be planted on the property.
“The Board, through these acquisitions and along with their existing properties, will be demonstrating on a mother/satellite farm basis, best practices in the growing of coconuts, intercropped with cocoa and banana, along with the processing of coconut water and other coconut products,” Mr. Shaw explained.
He was speaking at the Coconut Growers Association’s Annual General Meeting at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston on Saturday (May 5).
Meanwhile, Mr. Shaw said Cabinet approval is also being sought for the CIB to establish a subsidiary to spearhead the properties’ commercial development. This is part of measures to be jointly implemented by the Ministry and CIB to position Jamaica to tap into the US$2 billion global coconut industry.
Mr. Shaw said that as part of the industry’s capacity building and expansion, greater emphasis will be placed on increased production of seedlings, developing a strong research programme and extension activities. These inputs, he argued, are vital, particularly for smaller growers.
Meanwhile, the Minister said the Government welcomes and continues to court significant local and overseas stakeholder investments in the cultivation and value added aspects of the coconut industry.
“Already we are engaging a large investor who has acquired some 2,000 acres of land to grow coconuts in Jamaica to support a major processing facility here, which will also receive raw material from the Caribbean to support it. This is a game changer,” he stated.
Mr. Shaw also advised that he will be seeking Cabinet approval to have the CIB remain a statutory body of the Ministry, with its primary and immediate mandate being the development of nurseries, expansion of research and development activities and extension services to drive the industry’s expansion.
Cabinet approval is also being sought for the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) to retain responsibility for the industry’s regulation.
JACRA provides oversight for the development, regulation, and standardization of the agricultural commodities industry primarily incorporating coffee, cocoa, coconut and spices.
Release: JIS
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
-
TCI News1 week agoTurks and Caicos Islands Reaffirms Status as Premier Beach and Romance Destination at World Travel Awards
-
Bahamas News5 days agoNassau Cruise Port Marks Sixth Anniversary with Exciting New Additions for Visitors and The community
-
Caribbean News5 days agoSandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
-
TCI News3 days agoVisitTCI and Potcake Place Highlight Growing Homeless Dog Crisis
-
Caribbean News1 week agoCaribbean Powerhouses to Inspire at CaribCon in the Turks and Caicos Islands