PR – The Management of the Marketing & National Importing Board wishes to clear the air on a number of statements made in a recently published article in the New Today Newspaper dated Friday December 24, 2021 titled, “Bleak Christmas for farmers with bounced cheques from MNIB”.
The organization continues to experience financial difficulties which many businesses are faced with as a result of the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic. This has affected the organization’s timely payment to suppliers and farmers in a manner that is acceptable to these key stakeholders. The allegation regarding the issuance of bounced cheques to farmers this Christmas is absolutely false. As of today, Thursday December 23, 2021, our bank has confirmed that all payment issued by the MNIB has been honored to farmers. Farmers’ payments were issued and continued to be cleared by our bank. All farmers who saved with the MNIB and requested their savings were issued cheques that are all honored by our bankers. We encourage persons with any issue to contact the MNIB.
As it relates to the statement that some workers receiving their full salary but others only received half month’s pay, this statement is untrue. The management of the MNIB continues to ensure that timely payment of salary is high on our list of priorities. We also must state that all employees received salary increases in 2016, 2017 and 2018 as set out in 2016 to 2018 collective agreement.
The Board of Directors and Management commends the hard-working and dedicated staff of the MNIB who worked tirelessly to ensure that Grenadians were able to access fresh produce and commodities throughout the pandemic. The exports of fresh produce continued during the state of emergency and the MNIB continues to provide our farmers and agro-processors with the market for their fresh produce and products.
The Government of Grenada through the Ministry of Finance, continue to work with the MNIB to ensure that these financial commitments are satisfied. The Management of the MNIB welcomes policy discussion and actions to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Board, however, these conversations must be responsible, relevant and honest.
The MNIB uses this opportunity to thank our bankers for working with us during this challenging time. We are also deeply appreciative of our farmers, agro-processors, suppliers, and customers, as well as our dedicated and committed staff for their commitment, resilience and continued support over the past year.
The Management and staff of the MNIB wish you and your family a happy and safe Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Sincerely,
MANAGEMENT
