Jamaica Sugar News:EU and government sign deal for ailing sugar industry

The Jamaican government Friday received a multi million dollar payment to assist the ailing sugar industry.

The money was handed over by Head of the European Commission Ambassador Marco Mazzocchio Alemani who met with Prime Minister Bruce Golding at Jamaica House.

The payment of 365 million Jamaican dollars follows a previous disbursement of 495 million Jamaican dollars which the government received last year.

Mr. Golding Friday lauded the EC for its donation which he said was received in the nick of time.

"One of the very important elements of our arrangements with the European Union is that they have provided these accompanying measures recognizing the difficulties we would have in making the adjustments, we are very appreciative of these inclusion of these accompanying measures to help us finance this adjustment that has to take place," he said.

The payment signed Friday is part of a support strategy aimed at assisting the sugar industry, its workers and dependent communities.