PM says privatizing Diamonds Estate could be an option

Transitioning the Diamonds Estate into a private entity is one measure being considered for the facility.

Those comments came from Prime Minister Gaston Browne over the weekend on the Browne and Browne show.

“What I am thinking since its 200-acres, we create twenty 10-acre farms with water resources and give it to people to farm. The government has operated Diamonds for how long and I can’t tell you that Diamonds has made any significant contribution towards food security, may as well privatize it,” PM Browne suggested.

While that option is being considered, an assessment will be made for the creation of several ponds on the 200-acre property.

“The problem again is water so, we are investing in more long boom excavators to do more for farmers so we can build more ponds for them,” PM Browne mentioned.

The estate was run by the ADC (Agricultural Development Corporation). Over the years, the body has had to relieve workers due to financial issues and while work continued for some time at the grounds, that work has since slowed.