Time to get rid of the imported fruits at these functions

Dear Editor,

Pictures in the media of the “head table” at the annual Police Officers’ Christmas Breakfast at Eve Leary are very disappointing. They were disappointing at two levels.

The first, at a government function someone or several persons thought that is was okay to serve or use as decorations and prominently display imported foreign fruits. This is despite the government touting local agriculture for food security and as a livelihood for many. What happened to displaying local fruits? This display does not reconcile with the Ministry of Agriculture’s encouragement to consume more local fruits and vegetables. In some Caribbean countries it is government policy that only local fruits and vegetables can be utilized in the catering of governmental functions. Secondly, the Prime Minister, Minister of Public Security and Commissioner of Police were all present at this function. One would assume that all of these senior government officials have personal assistants and or public relations officers who would or should have been present at the function. It is disappointing that none of them thought that the display was inappropriate and contradicts the government’s posture.

Obviously, there is need for some stocktaking from all involved in this public relations misfortune.

Yours faithfully,

(Name and address supplied)