It's the largest shrimp producer in the country but today, as yesterday, we could only speak with security guards when we contacted Nova Shrimp Farm in Ladyville. What we do know is that the International Finance Corporation loaned Nova $12 million in 1998 and, due to non performance, the IFC has threatened foreclosure.
Fearing the loss of hundreds of jobs, government has tried to intervene with the IFC, but the credit must be satisfied and government hasn't been able to do that. But all is not lost, and, as we understand it, efforts to intercede continue. Still it's a cash crisis for Nova, which, our reports say, needs something like $5 million to stock its ponds and get operational. In the meantime, between 3 and 500 workers remain in limbo.
