NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release November 23, 2016
Minister Samuda negotiates re-entry of Jamaican patties into Belize Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda has successfully negotiated the re-entry of Jamaican patties into the Belizean market. Jamaican exporters were experiencing challenges with exporting beef and poultry patties to Belize despite a decision of the CARICOM Council for Trade and Development (COTED) giving approval for the export of Jamaican patties to all CARICOM Member States. The decision to allow the entry of Jamaican patties into Belize without impediment was taken during bilateral talks between Minister Samuda and Belize’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce, Hon. Tracey Panton in Guyana last week. Speaking following the meeting, Minister Samuda said he was pleased with the outcome of the talks as Belize remains an export market of interest to Jamaica. “It’s a positive step that I am sure our patty manufacturers will welcome,” said Minister Samuda. Minister Samuda was in Guyana for the 43rd meeting of CARICOM’s Council for Trade and Development. Contact: Karlene Brown Tel: 968-8669