Jamaican opposition calls for revision of onion import licenses

Opposition parties disagree with the Jamaican government over the issue of import licenses for onions. This came after the government encouraged domestic growers to increase onion production. The opposition said it was aware of a demonstration by onion growers in Llandewey, St. Thomas, and reports that the imports would disrupt markets for their onions. In a statement, agriculture spokesman Lothan Cousins said the timing was irrational and called on Agriculture Secretary Pearnel Charles Jr to explain why import licenses are being issued before any investigations under his supervision had been conducted. The spokesman said he was disappointed that the onion production program has been thwarted by the government's willingness to issue import licenses. The opposition ...