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Unemployed Barbadians and those otherwise employed, but can use some extra cash, are being encouraged to consider harvesting West Indian Sea Island Cotton, this year.

The opportunity, which is being provided by the Barbados Agricultural Management Company (BAMC), is expected to give persons a chance to not only earn cash, but also contribute to the economy.

BAMC’s Agronomist, Nyah Nyhathu, while acknowledging that West Indian Sea Island Cotton is “one of the rarest and finest cottons in the world, comparable to silk and cashmere cotton”, said the harvesting, which normally starts in February and March, will begin in January.

BAMC fields are located at: Constant Farm, Dash Valley, St. George; Searles Farm, Newton, Christ Church; Mt. Pleasant Farm, Parish Land, St. Philip; Three Houses Farm, Fortesque, St. Phillip; Redland Farm, Wakefield, St. John; Rock Hall Farm, Four Hill, St. Peter and Bromefield Farm, Harrison, St. Lucy.

The first cotton picking exercise will occur at Searles Farm on Friday, January 22, with Three Houses Farm and Rock Hall expected to be ready by February.

Cotton pickers are advised that harvesting attire must comprise the following clothing: long sleeves, long pants, headgear (hat, scarf, head tie), fully enclosed shoes, umbrella and water.

The fields will open from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., but workers may also pick and store at their convenience. Personnel from the BAMC will collect and weigh cotton at prescribed times. 

COVID-19 protocols will be in full effect on site and at all collection points.

This year, management hopes to see over 500 cotton pickers working on the 270 acres across the island. For further information, and to sign on for employment, persons may call BAMC’s Area Office at 437-5465 or 422-2809.

joy-ann.gill@barbados.gov.bb

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