KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Karl Samuda, this afternoon presented evidence in Parliament that he paid $546,000 to the Jamaica Dairy Development Board for services rendered on his farm under the Mumbassa programme.

Samuda, who sought to clarify two “accusatory statements” made by Dr Dayton Campbell, told parliamentarians that if he could reverse his decision on the Mumbassa grass, he would.The minister admitted that 14 acres of Mumbassa grass has been planted on his farm in St Catherine, but again noted that similar treatment was made to other registered dairy and leaf farmers. “At no point did I use my position as minister to benefit from this”, Samuda stated.“Had I thought more carefully and differently and if the opportunity arose again, I would say no, as it raises question and speculations… and it is an error on my part,” he added.He further noted that due to his insistence, the JDDB prepared a costing, which he has since paid, Meanwhile, Samuda dismissed claims by Campbell that Hugh Graham, former CEO of the JDDB was unlawfully fired as a result of a disagreement with the minister. “This is totally false,” the agriculture minister said.He explained that Graham was on a three-year contract, which expired May 15, 2016, and was retained until a new board was put in place. It was this board, Samuda stated, that took the decision to let him go.