Government begins moves to revitalize Cades Bay Pineapple Farm in what residents sees as a political gimmick

With political criticism about the condition of the Cades Bay
Pineapple Farm mounting, it appears that the Gaston Browne
Administration is making moves to revitalize the agricultural
station.

For about two years no meaningful work has taken place at the once
prosperous and prominent farm, where the world-renowned
Antigua Black pineapple was grown, and the acreage became
overrun by shrubbery.

However, a source tells REAL News that at least five ploughs were
seen at the Cades Bay property on Monday morning, July 10, at
about 9 a.m.

The machinery went into action – although clearing and ploughing
only a small area, estimated to be about 40 to 50 feet.
Another source alleges that the farm is being readied for the
planting of pineapple slips within two weeks.

But one observer is describing the Government’s move as political
gimmicky.  She says that Antigua Labour Party MP Samantha
Marshall was in office for nine years and, yet, did nothing significant
in the area.

The woman also notes that it was under Marshall’s tenure as
minister of agriculture that the Cades Bay Pineapple Farm fell into
ruins and was turned into an animal paddock. 

Now that a by-election in St. Mary’s South is imminent, she
continues, the Browne Administration and its candidate are doing
“the most” in an apparent attempt to win votes while fooling and
deceiving the people.

According to her, however, the people of St. Mary’s South are not
fools.