Two years after a decision was made to form an agro-processor value chain, the initiative has been realized in the launch of the newest business cluster in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, VincyKlus Inc.

This was done at an official launch, which took place on Thursday, November 18, at the Kitchen Lobby of Hotel Alexandrina at Prospect.{{more}}

The cluster has 20 organizations, with a Board of Directors made up of seven members.

In her welcoming remarks, VincyKlus Inc’s Public Relations Officer Beverly Reddock stated that the idea for a cluster came about during a meeting at the Centre for Enterprise Development (CED).

“Those here this evening took the bold step to say yes to the idea,” Reddock said.

President of VincyKlus, Norville Abraham, explained that the main purpose of the cluster is to interconnect different agencies such as agro-processors, farmers, hoteliers and supermarket owners, to create a value chain where everybody works together and the relationship benefits each other.

Giving the Feature address, Minister of Industry Dr Jerrol Thompson related that he was very pleased with the initiative. He stated that St. Vincent and the Grenadines has unique features that are sometimes overlooked.

Thompson mentioned that such features are the clean waters and the quality of fresh foods and products.

“I believe, having traveled around the world, that we have the cleanest water in the Caribbean….You go anywhere in the Caribbean and you can hear about these products,” Thompson explained, adding that Vincentian products are boasted as being the best and the sweetest.

He said if Vincentians have the best ingredients, the products that follow should be the best products.

Speaking on the financing of such initiatives, he added that though there will always be issues with finance, there are measures in place to allow easier access of resources.

He added that he was pleased that the agricultural sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is still vibrant, given that a few years ago many countries had forsaken agriculture until issues such as worldwide food security were identified.

Thompson related that he was pleased that St. Vincent and the Grenadines did not abandon agriculture.

Delivering remarks at the ceremony, WINFA Coordinator Renwick Rose stated that VincyKlus can be developed and made a shining example to the rest of the region as a group of small businesses thriving with one another.

He added that the Board of Directors and other members have a pioneering role to play, to make VincyKlus a success.

The evening also featured remarks by CED representative Natalie Mitchell as well as an exhibition of the products of the members of VincyKlus. The VincyKlus logo was also officially unveiled and guests were treated to locally made dishes afterwards.