Banana Bits Consistent with Government’s thrust to Educate Farmers
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Banana Bits Consistent with Government’s thrust to Educate Farmers |
On May 6, 2004, the Windward Islands Banana Development and Exporting Company Ltd. developed a talk show on bananas.
The programme was broadcast live on NTN Television in St. Lucia and simulcast via radio throughout the Windward Islands.
The hour-long programme, dubbed ‘Banana Bits’ airs on the first Thursday of every month.
The programme is consistent with the Government’s thrust to educate farmers on the latest developments regarding the marketing of bananas, and to dispel any notion that what is happening to bananas today is political.
The show sits well with the views expressed by Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony that all farmers in St. Lucia and the region ought to be fully aware of the problems facing the banana industry and the measures being put in place to address those problems.
Produced at the television studios of the Government Information Service of St. Lucia, Banana Bits brings together the following audiences into one community to deliberate on issues facing the regional banana industry:
WIBDECO’s Communication Controller, Bernard Frampton, who produces and hosts the programme said, “At WIBDECO, we recognised that we needed a forum to engage the banana farmers and general public in debate on the banana industry. We wanted a single stage where everyone could voice their ideas and concerns.”
The program has definitely tested the temperature of regional broadcasting vogue and challenged the technical limitations of regional broadcasting.
It is the first media magazine program to link the publics of the sub region through a radio simulcast via telephone link up.
The program is also historic, because it provides its audience in the islands with a toll free number to contribute to the discussions.
So far, it has been well received. As one caller to the program put it, “I think this is a great program. Thank you for educating us on such important issues in the banana industry”.
So far, the program has dealt with two major topics:
· The first focused on Eurepgap, a set of standards developed by the European Retailers for all suppliers providing produce for sale on the European market.
Callers to the program were curious about the assistance available to farmers in their quest to become certified.
· The second addressed the current quality problems affecting Windward Islands bananas.
Upcoming Banana Bits topics:
The current international market dynamics and regulations will undoubtedly stimulate debate on future programs.
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