Minister Felix Engages Caribbean Grains and Local Baking Fraternity

On Thursday 13th June 2019, the Minister for Commerce, Industry, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs, Hon. Bradley Felix visited the Caribbean Grains flour mill in Vieux Fort at the seaport. He was accompanied bythe Deputy PS Mr. Emmanuel Gerald,the Director of Commerce Mr. Guillaume Simon, Mr. Jonathan Allain representing the Small Business Development Unitand Ms. Wendy Frederick, Chief Import Officer. The team took this opportunity to review the overall operations.

The site visit was undertaken during a busy milling day with all the machinery operational. The contingent observed the grains journey from the nearby seaport, to the large silos, onto the dampening chambers, roller-mills, and all the way to packaging. The team took the opportunity to view the testing lab where batches of flour are examined and tested on a daily basis to achieve the highest quality standards. The overall operations at the mill highlights the magnitude of such an investment in the Eastern Caribbean and places Saint Lucia on the map as an industrial country.

Minister Felix applauded the progress the milling company has made and had a chance to sit down for a roundtable discussion with key stakeholders in the baking industry, including members of the Bakers Steering Committee, to discuss development.

Member of the Bakers’ Steering Committee, Mr. Cyril Saltibuswho was part of the group of local bakers who made the trip to Puratos in Miami for advanced training, and diligently attends training sessions in the Caribbean Grains Bakers’ Academy in Vieux Fort, called the experience so far as ‘magical’. He added, “We need this type of engagement so we can further enhance the industry and produce the high quality baked goods which are currently imported, and for these opportunities to grow the industry, we thank Caribbean Grains”.

According to General Manager of Caribbean Grains, Mr. Arnaud de Moussac, “We must commend the work of the floor members of our company who work tirelessly to meet the growing demand and rectify any teething issues we initially faced. We are motivated by our staff and the relationship we have with the various stakeholders in the industry, seeking to grow in a positive and sustainable way.”

As stated by the Minister of Commerce, “Caribbean Grains is a cherished addition to our manufacturing sector and must be applauded for not only producing flour but creating the additional value by dealing with the end users through the various training initiatives and for its significant investment in Saint Lucia.”

As Caribbean Grains continues to reaffirm and redefine its commitment to Saint Lucia and the industry it operates in, it continues to bolster aid for the relevant parties responsible for its development and sustainability. The company is aware of the deep desire of the workers to further develop their skills and get to the next level while satisfying the demand of the market for a quality product that is readily available. The company continues to pledge its support for the industry while engaging the relevant parties in a bid to resolve any issues which may develop along the way.

Caribbean Grains is currently seeking new bakers around the island to join the Bakers’ Training Academy. Email [email protected] to discuss with an agent.