GRDB seeking advice from foreign affairs on Jamaica rice shipment
General Manager of GRDB, Nizam Hassan
General Manager of GRDB, Nizam Hassan

THE Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has sought the assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enquire about some 70 metric tonnes of White “Cinderella” rice, seized by the Jamaican Industries, Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry.

General Manager of the GRDB, Nizam Hassan, said the Jamaican authorities have been tightlipped on the issue, so the board hopes that the foreign affairs ministry would be able to iron out the situation.

“We have approached the ministry to seek their assistance through their channels…we need assistance in getting additional information as to what the issue is and what transpired,” said the general manager during a press conference on Tuesday, February 26.
The GRDB also reached out to the buyer, who has not responded to any of the questions which were asked about the rice which is still in Jamaica.

“We have been checking with the supplier and he said none of his buyers had any problems with the rice, and it was even sent back to the shipping line intact and with no problems”, noted Hassan. He added that the Jamaica Government is reluctant to divulge any further information to the GRDB. Although the rice shipment was confiscated by the Jamaican authorities, the supplier was paid in full for his rice

Reports had surfaced that 70 metric tonnes of White Cinderella rice, valued at approximately US$4.6 million, was confiscated by Jamaica’s Industries, Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry, due to its poor quality.

According to the reports, a series of inspections carried out revealed that the grains had signs of mould, clumping, discoloration and moisture, resulting in the detention of the rice by a food storage inspector.

According to a recent report from the Department of Public Information (DPI), Deputy General Manager of the GRDB, Allison Peters, said the certificate for testing of any rice was accredited by the Jamaican National Agency for Accreditation (JNAAC) and it was the fourth year that the board had been accredited by that body.

She pointed out that before rice leaves Guyana, it is put through rigorous testing, both at the central laboratory and before being loaded for export. However, in transportation and subsequent storage of the product, the GRDB has no control over how the rice is handled.

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