Dominican Republic: Onion producers demand promised support

Onion producers in Vallejuelo have announced they fully intend to keep president Danilo Medina Sanchez to his word. In a recent visit to the town, the head of state promised growers a 10,000-pound hand-out to stimulate cultivation and to buy seeds.

Over 300 men and women gathered at the regional governmental office early Monday morning. Armed guards were called in to prevent people from entering. Local governor Williams de Óleo and José Nova, director of the Regional Agropecuaria Suroeste, have acknowledged that the country has no onion seeds and that the government should spring into action to save the industry.

Addressing the protesters Williams de Óleo said: “We recognize the despair of Vallejuelo growers, and acknowledge the right to be heard in this matter. The government has in fact purchased onion seeds abroad, but due to unforeseen circumstances it has not yet been able to deliver.” Both De Óleo and Nova asked the people for their patience and insisted help was on the way.

Source: HOY