Jermaine London's pig-breeding ambitions
Stabroek News
February 2, 2007
You are probably not likely to meet too many young Guyanese businessmen with the self-belief of Jermaine London.
The articulate 28 year-old has his sights set on becoming one of the country's most successful pig farmers and while he is still no more than a beginner in the business he is steadily building the credentials to help him achieve his objective.
Jermaine is currently one of the "rising stars" among the more than 200 young businessmen and women who are currently receiving the support of the Guyana Youth Business Trust (GYBT). Taryn De Mendonca, the GYBT's Coordinator, says that Jermaine's drive and energy makes him a more than worthwhile example and a reflection of the pockets of success that the organization has achieved in supporting young Guyanese desirous of engaging in entrepreneurial pursuits.
In 2005 Jermaine began to attract as a budding businessman after an international youth employment scheme awarded him a 5,000 euros business grant based on a business plan which he had prepared for the establishment of his present Loo Creek pig farm.
His farm which now boasts more than 50 pigs is classified as a medium-sized operation. Last Christmas he took his first batch of pork - 750 pounds - to market. His next market day is just a few weeks away.
The GYBT has invested significantly in Jermaine's spirit of enterprise. Apart from loans in excess of $600,000 to consolidate his business the organization has also provided him with a mentor in the person of Dr. Vernon Mc Pherson, one of the country's most experienced agriculturalists. McPherson says that Jermaine's quest for success keeps him "on his toes."
Jermaine says that his next stop is the creation of a successful breeding programme and towards this end he has already visited Jamaica to study breeding programmes there.
He says that he is also hopeful of securing exposure to the breeding industry in Brazil where some of the finest facilities in the world are available.
Jerlon's Pork Products-the trading name of Jermaine's establishment - includes a smaller venture in the manufacture of pickled pork, currently run as a cottage industry from Jermaine's Georgetown home.
Part of his expansion plan includes the consolidation of this venture through the acquisition of additional equipment and the relocation of the small manufacturing venture to Loo Creek.