The last Pop-Up Farmers Market for the year at the Gladstone Road location will be on Saturday, December 8, and will be ‘Customer Appreciation Day.’
“As part of our Customer Appreciation Day, patrons will receive a five per cent discount across the board on already drastically reduced prices and remember, the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) never charged the additional VAT of 4.5 per cent – we always paid that amount to the Government,” Michael Foulkes, Executive Chairman, BAIC announced at a press conference at the Corporation, Friday, December 7, 2018. He added that the hours will be extended from 3pm to 5pm.
Mr. Foulkes also noted that BAIC will close out the year on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at the Seventh Day Adventist Church’s old Bahamas Academy School from 8am to 3pm where customers will also get the five per cent discount.
The Executive Chairman said as of January 1, 2018 to date, the Corporation has taken in a total of $253,617.91. He explained that 73 per cent of that amount represents direct payment to farmers of approximately $185,141.00.
Mr. Foulkes also noted that in January 2018, the Corporation had debts due and owing at the time of $3.1 million.
“Part of that sum included $385,000 that was in arrears for the staff Group Medical Plan which had been suspended for several months.
“Today I am pleased to announce that we have paid all of the arrears and we fully expect that come January 2019, we will only have to pay for that month.”
Mr. Foulkes added that the Corporation also had about 34 increments for staff, some overdue for months. “I am pleased to announce that all increments are paid through to and including the end of November 2018.
The Pop-Up Farmers Market will re-commence at Gladstone Road, Saturday, January 19, 2019.
The Executive Chairman said they will also return to Grand Bahama, where there should be lots of winter vegetables on January 26, 2019.
Michael Foulkes, Executive Chairman, the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (right) announces plans for the year’s last Pop-Up Farmer’s Market at a press conference at the Corporation, Friday, December 7, 2018. Also pictured seated is Bishop Gregory Collie, Deputy Chairman, BAIC and staff of the Corporation standing in the back. (BIS Photo/Llonella Gilbert)
By Llonella Gilbert
