BHTA ‘supports local farmers’

In an apparent move to mend fences with farmers, the Barbados Hotel Association (BHTA) yesterday reiterated its commitment to working with them.

However, the association did not commit to signing any memorandum of understanding (MOU) as a precondition to accessing concessions granted by Government to the industry.

In a media release, BHTA president Sunil Chatrani said they had always supported local farmers and manufacturers “so even though the MOU is not a prerequisite for accessing the concessions, we will continue, as stated at the meeting [last] Wednesday, to work at reaching a mutual agreement beneficial to all involved, as we see this as another avenue to further cement our present relationship in which our members currently support and work with numerous local farmers”.

Last Wednesday at the BHTA’s third quarterly general meeting at which Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler announced the sector would get the concessions similar to those given to Sandals Resort Group, Chatrani signalled his reservations about signing the memorandum, as the same condition was not placed on Sandals. (SP)