JHTA’s Mo-Bay boss wants mandatory onsite greenhouses for investors in new hotels

WESTERN BUREAU:

Kerry Ann Casserly, who chairs the Montego Bay Chapter of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), wants the government to make it mandatory for investors building new hotels in Jamaica to incorporate onsite greenhouse facilities to grow fresh Jamaican produce.

According to Casserly, such an initiative would be a win-win solution as it would allow hotels to source fresh, high-quality produce, creating opportunities for Jamaican farmers, reduce import costs, stimulate the local economy, generate employment, and foster a more sustainable tourism model.

“I would like to encourage other hotels to embark on similar initiatives, like the one here at Half Moon,” said Casserly, who was speaking at the third edition of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce Farm to Table Tour and Workshop, which recently took place at the Half Moon Hotel greenhouse.

The event attracted students from the Jamaica Christian School for the Deaf, Knockalva Polytechnic College, Montego Bay Community College, and Spot Valley High School, who were introduced to the business of farming.

“So, for the new hotels that are coming in, it’s a conversation to be had with the minister [of agriculture], the various ministers, to ensure that they look at this opportunity for Farm to Table because it’s a healthier option,” said Casserly, who is also regional director, sales and marketing at Royalton Resorts Jamaica.

Casserly said she was envisioning a future where hotels showcase their commitment to local sourcing, offering “farm-to-table” experiences and potentially even tours of their on-site greenhouses.

She further noted that reducing the cost of imported agriculture produce by incorporating on-site greenhouse facilities, could also result in less consumption of fast food, which would make for a healthier society.

“Farm to table initiative through greenhouse farming is also a healthier option, no more junk food. Jamaica has a lot to offer now, and we love to eat. But, how about putting good, nutritional food in our bodies, so that we not only take care of the sustainability of our country and the economy,” she said.

Oral Heaven, president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, believes the efforts to expose students to farm-to-table concepts and the business of agriculture, is an idea that could prove critical to economic growth.

“Agriculture is important, so the leaders need to see the sector for what it is, the survival of our economy, the survival of our people,” said Heaven. “So, I urge our leaders on both sides to remove the agricultural sector from the game of political football and ensure that we have sustainable practices in place, so that this sector can continue to feed us, and we can look towards food security.”

Albert Ferguson