“Effective the 1st of March, all persons wishing to import poultry meats and products will be required to first obtain a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources to do so,” said the Hon. V. Alfred Gray, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources during a press conference at the Ministry, Wednesday, February 10.

“In this regard, the public is advised that no poultry meats and products will be accepted at any port of entry in The Bahamas without evidence that a permit was issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources,” the Minister said. “For many years persons have been allowed to import poultry meats and products into The Bahamas without first obtaining the requisite permit to do so. I wish to advise that this practice will soon come to an end.”

Customs Officers in New Providence and the Family Islands, along with the relevant inspectors of the Department of Agriculture, stationed at the various ports of entry have been asked to pay close attention to the strict enforcement of this policy. This policy will remain in place for a six months period after which time an assessment will be made to determine its effectiveness.

Wholesalers of chicken are therefore strongly encouraged to support the local producers in Abaco and Grand Bahama by purchasing at least 30 per cent of their required stock from them and 70 per cent from abroad.

Persons wishing to make applications to import poultry meats and products may do so through the office of the permanent secretary Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources located East Bay Street and Okra Hill Road. A processing period of not more than three days should be expected.

By: Stirling Strachan - Bahamas Information Services

The Hon. V. Alfred Gray (right), Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources announcing that the Government is reintroducing permits to the import of poultry meats and products during a press conference at the Ministry, Wednesday, February 10. As a matter of policy, the Government has approved the reintroduction of the issuance of permits to all persons wishing to import poultry meats and products for sale. Also pictured is Cephas Cooper, Acting Permanent Secretary. (BIS photo/Patrick Hanna)