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**Kangaroo** » 2013-04-10 02:01

Let them buy 20 acres at Crabbs for $7/ sq. ft. and show us what they can do.

**Concern citizen** » 2012-05-26 22:09

This is just a desperate move the UPP wants to say that they bring investment to the country , why not look for sound solid investment that would last a long time and not just another white elephant.

**Fed Up** » 2012-05-16 22:33

wonder who's getting the backhander for this one ????

**SteadyJ** » 2012-05-16 20:31

The number of jobs that they are claiming this operation is going to produce is high. The amount of land required is high. The electricity required to run the operation is going to high. Hotels on the island are struggling to stay current with their electricity and water bills with APUA. What makes us think that this proposed poultry project will able to pay APUA? Not unless they get a waiver to install solar panels on these facilities. I don't see how this project can be successful with or utility and labor cost.

**Family Guy** » 2012-05-16 20:16

Why waste time with this? We have plenty chickens in Parliament! Ask Lester and Baldwin! Cock-a-doodle-d o!

**Audrey Taylor** » 2012-05-16 19:34

Another Chicken farm. The Economist need to weigh in if it is cheaper to import than produce then import. I have not forgotten the blue homone infused chickens from the Walter farm. History should not repeat itself in this situation. Salftfish and fresh fish is too expensive we need a steady supply of healthy chicken.

**Wadadli Blogger** » 2012-05-16 19:22

Common sense will tell anyone that they would be better off having this farm in Miami where they can get much better utility rates and a more efficient port with better shipping rates and routes throughout the caribbean than Antigua or anywhere in the caribbean. The only advantage they have being here might be trade agreements within the region will give them the advantage over American companies.

The problem with them doing a farm in Miami or anywhere in the USA is environmental issues. They are clamping down on these type of farms and making all kinds of new legislations all througout the USA & Canada because of many different reasons the most important is the waste from the chickens which is very dangerous to the environment. Another problem is the animal rights activists are creating nightmares for those type of farms.

But they are aware that they can come here to the Antigua and get away with all that foolishness because as long as some politicians in Antigua see money and projects to go and take ground breaking pics for the next manifesto they are "good to go" ... they don't care about the future or the environment. Just money and power!!!

**John French II** » 2012-05-16 18:54

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Tenman & Vicnes, that you good friends have hit upon a credible solution is like Quote:

a draught of vintage! that hath been Cool'd a long age in the deep-delved earth, Tasting of Flora and the country green, Dance, and Provençal song, and sunburnt mirth! O for a beaker full of the warm South, Full of the true, the blushful Hippocrene, With beaded bubbles winking at the brim, And purple-stained mouth; That I might drink, and leave the world unseen, And with thee fade away into the forest dim:

The Love of the "Big FDI Score" has crippled us, yet the Political & Financial Elites Persist. A&B lost $300M to the T&T Financial Scammers. Had that been invested Locally/Coopera tively in Poultry/Fishery?
There is so much that can be done by a Creative GoAB with everything we do on the seas if they think of Horizontal & Vertical Integration. Begin with Marine & Fishery Education. The Fisheries Complexes are not only underutilized but also poorly maintained. Look at the Sport Fishing Competition. A good Marketing Board would definitely be the way to manage the supply, production and sale of the catch. Go Well! Much Respect!

**tenman** » 2012-05-16 17:21

Vicnes your 2012-05-16 16:27 post found me applauding. We have these Japanese fishing complexes which are underused. Its time we do something about it. How do we get our people to form cooperatives?

..

**tenman** » 2012-05-16 17:06

Vicnes, thanks for your response. However, in an earlier article on this project it stated:
Quote:

The operation plans to mill its own poultry feeds, which Zacky suggested may well benefit local poultry farmers as they gain access to cheaper, high-quality feeds Read more: http://www.caribarena.com/antigua/business/business-news/100513-zacky-sets-the-record-straight.html#ixzz1v4BYw14G

Now I am no expert on milling but quick research reveals, that this will require electricity. Unlike St. Vincent we do not have hydro electricity (20% of total energy in st. Vincent comes from hydro electricity). The cost of hydro per kwh is near to the average 13 cents us per kwh for electricity in the US, as of march 2012.(for hydro costs see Caribbean Regional Electricity Generation, Interconnection , and Fuels Supply Strategy – Final Report, chart on page 1-12 www.caricom.org/jsp/community_organs/energy_programme/electricity_gifs_strategy_final_report_summary.pdf

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**Vicnes** » 2012-05-16 16:27

The current crop of Antiguan politrickcians are mainly knuckle-heads just like these two so called "investors". I have not lived in Antigua in 45 years, but I can tell these morons (UPP and ALP politicians) that it will make more sense to invest the 75 million US dollars to take the fishing industry to the next level. For crying out loud, the industry cannot even supply lobsters to Guyana and the local hotels at the same time.

How can they not see this? Antigua can never compete with other countries with a rich land based agricultural sector but some of the richest seafood waters in the world are off the coast of Barbuda. Just ask the Japanese, Taiwanese, and South Korean fishermen that have traveled half-way around the world for decades to pick our pockets.

**SPEED BUMP** » 2012-05-16 16:17

"Caribarena.com also did research into Gregg Zacky, and came up with little or no information."
Obviously you did the wrong research. If you are researching business person's past ventures then the first place to dig is at his/her local chamber of commerce. Then go into their bank dealings.

**Vicnes** » 2012-05-16 16:09

Tenman, I think the the most expensive component that these knuckle-heads will encounter is the "feed". While chicken can survive on just g**, strictly vegetarian-fed chickens are potentially undernourished. They need protein for healthy naturally fed birds. A safe protein source such as fish meal will be prohibitively expensive in Antigua.

**We Never Learn** » 2012-05-16 14:37

This will turn out like the idiotic idea of opening a specialist cancer treatment on Antigua. No feasibility study, the cancer centre will be to expensive for Antiguans to afford and anybody with Medical Insurance and cancer is going to the UK, Europe or the US not some island in the Caribbean with little to no experience.
As for the chicken farm, in this heat REALLY!! As for having A/C to keep the birds cool we all know the cost of power from APUA, we would end up paying more for local chicken than importing them from the US lol

**tenman** » 2012-05-16 14:31

Common Cents energy costs are the highest input costs for this industry. Sine producers in the same industry, in the USA, are complaining about these costs which for them electricity is at least 3 times less than ours, can't you see it will be a problem here? In discussions on shipping I have heard it stated that our shipping costs are the highest in the region. If you listen to Miss Mcmaster from Susies hot sauce you will hear her complain about both the high shipping and electricity costs. One of the reasons has to do with our port now having more than five times the amount of persons employed than it needs. Because of our small size, insurance costs tend to be higher. I am not saying its impossible to engage in these activities based on these costs, I am simply saying they need to be examined when looking into the feasibility of such a project. Lets admit this is even more necessary when you consider that unlike during the PLM time, we cannot ban chicken imports due to WTO agreements, so whatever is produced needs to be competitive.

..

**Jumbee Picknee** » 2012-05-16 14:25

The only thing which is new here are the name's of the Company and the executives. This is what has been the order of business in our Nation for decades. Projects come on board without any feasibility study, technical or otherwise. No community imput whatsoever...th is is more annoying than a needle stuck on a broken record and the same thing is repeated over and over and over. At least, you can throw the record in the trash, unfortunately, we cannot do the same to our politicians, we can't even find a way to charge them in the courts for their misconduct in office.

**MaeStro** » 2012-05-16 14:16

This is what I found.

http://www.answers.com/topic/zacky-farms-llc

Zacky Farms really likes to talk turkey. It also likes to raise and process them. The company works at hatching, raising, and processing turkeys and creating turkey-based deli products ( turkey franks, turkey bologna, turkey ham, and yes, turkey salami). The vertically integrated company works from five locations in Southern California, producing its own feed and operating a distribution fleet. In addition to products from traditionally raised birds, Zacky Farms offers "100% natural," free-range turkey products. It supplies grocery stores and makes items for companies in the foodservice sector. Founded by Russian immigrant Samuel Zacky in 1928, Zacky Farms was acquired by Foster Farms in 2001.

Officers:
CEO: Robert Zacky
President and COO: John Ross
VP and CFO: Marcus Currey

Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/zacky-farms-llc#ixzz1v3dmofl1

**JEFFERS** » 2012-05-16 13:06

Mr. Sampson, it would have been more prudent and good journalism for you to determine firstly the credibility of Scott Zacky's accusations that his brother Greg has had failed ventures. You have published information based on hearsay. You guys need to be serious. I have no interest either way but it just seems as if you are hungry for news- because one brother says something, does not make it fact. A qualified journalist would first substantiate the Scott Zacky accusations and then publish. My hope is that you have a good lawyer if you are proven wrong.

**the truth** » 2012-05-16 13:02

Due diligence please! Too often we have these plans are put forward by individuals of allegedly ill repute. At least we are talking about this one, unlike the other land grabs headed by convicted Land **s which when questioned are removed from the internet. Beware, with money, it is relatively easy to remove bad things said about you on the internet. It takes an qualified company to do due diligence on powerful people or large money deals. The xxxrver has removed recent investor stories relating Jolly Harbour and Barbuda for fear of, well we still don't know........but the stories gone! Unfortunately, the powers that be are desperate and wounded, the sharks can smell the blood, the land is all that is needed to make a fortune....

**jeb** » 2012-05-16 12:54

Can’t quite get past the amount of acreage these two men say they need to do a chicken farm…not by any means an expert on this subject but 1000 acres seems absurd and questionable in this island….”The region” already has its’ fair share of poultry farms which also creates questions in my mind as to the real intentions of these investors. Not least of all…where, what lending institution, is the US$75m supposedly coming from? IMO, smaller more manageable investment works better in Antigua.

**Vicnes** » 2012-05-16 12:26

Zacky Farms are not in the chicken business since 2001. I wonder why? Why choose Antigua with its perennial water shortage, non existent sewerage system, high cost of labor and even higher energy cost? Why build 20 small farms when it is far more cost effective to build one giant farm? Why not build the farm in the Dominican Republic where the cost would be much less to operate this type of business? Who operates a farm of this magnitude and don't produce eggs and turkeys? These guys real intention is definitely not to produce chickens. They are just looking for free land. Once they get the title for the 1,000 acres they will use it as collateral to build luxury condos. Dato Tan Kay Hock and most of the hoteliers got free land. So why shouldn't you?

**Jamason** » 2012-05-16 12:19

Has anyone checked out Scott Zacky's record? I have and it is not good. I have not found anything negative on Greg Zacky but Ii have found same on Scott Zacky, go figure. This should give us pause. I am weary of someone making accusations and he does not have a clean record, see: 1) http://articles.latimes.com/2000/jan/28/local/me-58713
2) http://articles.latimes.com/keyword/scott-zacky
3) http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x1545078

**DadliMan** » 2012-05-16 12:06

Considering that all this emanated from the Fast Talker, should we really be surprised that this could be another sx*m in the making? As stated before, elections are around the corner, and Dr BS has brought his favourite BS artist to spin some BS for our consumption. They are now in a rush to create bragging points for the campaign trail, and due diligence will be thrown out of the window.

**Pellucid** » 2012-05-16 12:05

Trading Knightsoil for Chicken poop.

**Common Cents** » 2012-05-16 11:46

Tenman, I both agree and disagree with your latest post. Here's why:

Are you saying that simply because the cost of production in Antigua is higher than the US that we should not engage in production? You DO realise that there are other costs involved, such as shipping, insurance, and port taxes that would take effect? Even if it IS more expensive in the short run, in the long run it would be much more beneficial, due to the effect of jobs and the fact that the money spent would be re-circulating in the economy, among other things.

On the other hand, I certainly agree that the ABIA should conduct PROPER due diligence in ensuring that the business backers show their business plan and evidence of FULL FINANCIAL CAPABILITY in their ability to afford the project before even one square inch of land is turned over.

I have a bone to pick with you on one of the other topics you commented on, but that will have to take place sometime later as it would derail the thread.

**markus** » 2012-05-16 11:03

Prime Minister Doctor Doctor BS should take up the phone at midnight and call his buddy Prime Minister Gonsalves to find out why their attempt failed in St. Vincent.

**Tobi** » 2012-05-16 09:17

Tenman, your first post on this issue is spot on. One would think these "investors" are coming from another planet from where we have no communication. We are so desperate for FDI, we won't ask the hard questions or ask the right people. We are destined to have a repeat of the Stanford debacle or worse. CA, you are displaying the crucial importance of the Media, especially since the politicians are fumbling about in the dark.

**Colin** » 2012-05-16 08:56

This looks like yet another case of our most popular national error:-

a. If we are for somebody that person can do no wrong
b. If we are against somebody that person can do no right

Scott Zacky may not be a nice person - does that mean Gregg is any better?

**tenman** » 2012-05-16 08:43

watchful, do you recognize that the said brother, Scott Zacky, is the CEO of Zacky Farms, ranked as the 17th largest poultry farming operation in the USA? The major selling point of this potential investment was that Greg Zacky brought experience from working at Zacky Farms.

Again I will repost from the story 2 days ago:
Quote:

In the US poultry producers complain about the negative effect of their highest input cost: energy costs (.127 us per kwh or almost us 13 cents per kwh on average as of march 2012 http://www.bls.gov/ro9/cpilosa_energy.htm), how could it be that something like this would be more feasible in Antigua (.43 US per kwh)/ (43 US cents ) with our so much more higher energy costs ?

..

**Dig It** » 2012-05-16 08:30

I believe "precaution" is better than "cure" especially with new investments coming into country! Yet, this is Antigua, and, as many know, things "rarely" gets done the right way! The concerns of Scott Zacky about his brother proposed poultry-farm should be taken "seriously" when it is a project of great magnitude in terms of the lands required, and, the work involved to bring it to "fruition." And, I really hope that ABIA do our "due diligence" the right way, and, not just saying there is "nothing" to later down the road bring this country again to its knees with lost of employment and the GDP! The last thing this country needs is investors with a "bad" track record, or knowledge of what they are doing!

**Microwave Chef** » 2012-05-16 08:29

clearly a case where the chickens are coming home to roost before the egg,s have even been hatched. :lol:

Chef has finally found out what the yellow is in the UPP colors , its the egg on the face of PM. BS and Mac the jive (turkey) served "sunny side up". With all that sunshine the egg now smells rotten.. time for my beloved Antigua to wash her face.

Good Work!!! CA again.

**JP Farnsworth** » 2012-05-16 08:22

Two brothers Cain and Able could not get along and we all know how that story turned out.
One Zacky brother is bad mouthing the other brother so the deal is not done.
It does not matter which brother is right or wrong if both brothers are not on the same page we should stay away from this deal but maybe consider doing it ourselfs? I would personally like to thank the Zacky brothers for the great idea. Humm selling chickens why didn't we think of that?

**watchful** » 2012-05-16 08:21

what i see here is a jealous brother hoping he could grab the investment. he is just angry he was never approached.

**Mansour** » 2012-05-16 07:51

I wonder if you - Mac - going do the Due Diligence for the Economic Citizenship passports?

**Slapping Hand** » 2012-05-16 07:48

So much for your Due Diligence! You should resign!

**tenman** » 2012-05-16 07:44

I would think if an investor claimed as a major part of his experience work at a particular company, that part of the checks would involve contacting that company? Employees seeking work are sometimes required to bring references. HR would contact past employers to verify information. Exactly what checks has the investment authority done on Greg Mann, if they did not contact Zacky Farms? Did the AG not state after the fallout from the Stanford saga that we must ensure that proper checks be done of potential investors? The very application forms for an investment certificate indicate that due diligence on investors would be done. Caribarena must be congratulated for doing the due diligence that sadly the investment authority failed to do.
..

**Jamason** » 2012-05-16 07:42

Mr. Sampson I think you have your facts backwards. Check the background of Scott Zacky and you would realize he has a xxxxal background. I believe he was also allegedly removed from an airplane flight and more. Someone with Scott Zacky's background should not be taken seriously. I am not sure this is YOUR defining moment in journalism, be careful. You may have a problem on your hand. Also I believe the Zacky family sold their interest in Zacky Farms years ago.

**STEVE** » 2012-05-16 06:11

Here we go again!!! The fools (the U.P.P.) are at it again!!! We will have a good big laugh at the end of this foolishness.

**Robinhood** » 2012-05-16 05:12

This project remains a land grab, these guys are in over their heads
when it comes to chicken farming.

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