Minister inspects site

(l-r) Dr Alfred Benjamin, Dean Scott, Hon Gilbert
McLean and Jonathan Jackson stand outside the site
of the new abattoir

Friday, May 7, 2004

Minister for Health Services, Agriculture, Aviation and Works, the Hon Gilbert McLean, visited the site of the new abattoir being built on the agricultural grounds in Lower Valley, on Wednesday, 5 May.

The work is being carried out by the Public Works Department for the Department of Agriculture.

Mr. Mclean said: “ I am delighted to inspect these premises, because the building of an abattoir is something that’s been talked about for about 20 to 25 years,”

Mr Mclean also said that the abattoir had been specifically built for butchering and handling meat in a hygienic way.

“It will help with the marketing of local beef, that we can prove beyond shadow of reasonable doubt, that it’s being handled in the most efficient and hygienic way,” he said.

According to Mr Mclean, the abattoir is expected to cost less than $800,000, and be completed in September.

Jonathan Jackson, the Project Manager with the Public Works Department, said the new slaughter house was designed to handle up to 10 cattle a day, although the total number of cattle slaughtered would not be expected to exceed 300 cattle per year.

Dr Alfred Benjamin, Chief Agricultural and Veterinary officer, said: “I am extremely pleased to see this project get off the ground, we have been fighting to get this project going for a number of years.”

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