CASTRIES -- A seven-member interim board has been appointed to run the St.
Lucia Banana Growers Association (SLBGA), replacing the one sacked by the
government earlier this week following recent unrest in the banana industry.

The dissolution of the board, headed by Elisha Marquis, the current chairman
of the Windward Islands Banana Growers Association (WIBAN), was a key demand
of banana farmers who staged a three-day strike last week to press for an
increase in the price paid for their fruit.

The strike escalated into a confrontation with police in which two farmers
were shot and killed by the lawmen.

Agriculture Minister Ira d'Auvergne said Thursday he had no doubt that the
interim board would provide "the strong and effective leadership which the
industry requires at this time."

The interim board, headed by accountant Nathalbert Husbands, includes Abel
Wilson, the leader of the Banana Salvation Committee which called last week's
strike. It will remain in office until an extraordinary SLBGA conference of
delegates elects a new board. (CANA)