Bright Future for Agriculture!

Issue 10 | 18 Aug, 2018

Building Resilience

OUR SAINT LUCIA www.govt.lc

Bi-monthly Progress Report from the Government of Saint Lucia

BRIGHT FUTURE FOR AGRICULTURE

• Using Technology to Improve Harvest • Agro-Processing: Rural Women Get To Work • Insurance Support for Farmers • Teaming Up With Taiwan to Improve Farmers’ income • Building a Nation of Wealthy Farmers

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Agriculture Ministry Strategic Plan to Improve Outputs

CONTENTS

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Insurance Protection for Farmers

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Innovative Rural Women

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Achievements in Agriculture

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Saint Lucia and Taiwan focus on helping farmers

Ministers on the Move

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he Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Cooperatives has been on a serious campaign recently to improve and increase the outputs from agriculture at all levels. We take a look this week at some of the projects that are being undertaken by the Ministry.

• Registration of Farmers and Incentives Program

This program is seen as critical to providing government with important data in the area of farming. It is also seen as one way of curbing the practice of praedial larceny, as all farmers in Saint Lucia are to be licensed under this program.

According to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. John Calixte, the idea is to create a national data base of farmers. “This is so that we know who they are, what they are doing, what they ae producing, what acreage they are using and so on,” Mr. Calixte says.

The data base will also be useful to the Ministry in providing updates on production scheduling. Extension officers going out into the filed will be equipped with Smart Phones and other devices to input data which will be received by a central system.

“This system will generate information for us throughout the year as to what crops are being produced and when. This will help us relay this information to persons and hotels to whom we have to issue import licenses. So if we know ahead of time what we are producing here, we can relay that information and in some instances there may be no need to issue a license for a particular crop,” the PS says.

The Ministry has also identified seven major crops imported by the hotel sector, crops Mr. Calixte says that can be grown here in Saint Lucia. “So we are now starting a program whereby we will incentivize farmers to grow more of these crops so that we can at least become self-sufficient in these areas and money that would go towards importing those products can remain right here.”

Youth in Agriculture Program

The Government has received funding for the Youth in Agriculture Program from the Caribbean Development Fund (CDF). This project seeks to assist young unemployed persons who are interested in agriculture.

The project assists with training and identifying viable areas of agriculture that participants want to get involved in. The Ministry of Agriculture also identifies available lands around the island and provides some assistance with inputs and equipment. The participants in the program are also assisted with being prepared to access start-up loans from the SLDB. So far, approximately 100 young persons have participated in phase 1 of the project which is now about to enter into its second phase.

Some of the areas that have seen many young people gravitating towards are; Aquaponics, Livestock, Green houses

13 Getting more young people involved in agriculture has been the aim of the Ministry.

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• Land Bank

The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Attorney General Office and the Department of Physical Planning recently launched a project aimed at identifying areas of land available for agriculture.

These would include abandoned and idle land both private and Government. The idea is to put together the necessary legal framework to manage these lands and make them available for lease for persons interested in agriculture. The project is financed by the FAO and is seen as a way of providing greater opportunities for potential farmers, attracting more persons to agriculture and providing farmers the opportunity to lease lands which can be used as collateral to secure loans for farming inputs.

• Banana Production Improvement Project This project has two major objectives: 1. To tackle the Black Sigatoka Problem 2. Improve Banana production

Financed by the Taiwanese, this is a four year program, which is now into its second year.

With the onslaught of the Black Sigatoka disease affecting the crops and by extension the livelihood of farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture stepped in with the supply of oils to combat the disease. Farmers are also being assisted with the necessary inputs for bananas.

The idea is to increase the number of people involved in banana production, increase acreage and increase yield per acreage. So far the project has been successful in this areas having moved from 286 farms to over 600 farms. Since the project started, a number of farmers have returned to the fields and abandoned farms. This has seen an increase in the yield and with the assistance of WINFRESH the marketing of the output to various markets is being done.

Healthier choices when it comes to food includes cassava • Aquaculture and Aquaponics

The Ministry of Agriculture is also looking to diversify the areas of Agriculture into ventures such as aquaculture and aquaponics, which can become quite viable and lucrative.

The Union facility was recently handed over to the Government by the Taiwanese and this facility produces Tilapia and Shrimp. The idea is to sell the small fish and “fingerlings” to farmers who can then grow them in their own ponds for retail. According to the Ministry, there is a demand for both products by hotels as well as households.

In the area of Aquaponics the Ministry has seen a number of young persons being drawn to this sector, possibly due to the use of its technology. Aquaponics utilizes the waste of fish such as Tilapia to grow Lettuce and similar crops.

Visit to Choiseul aquaponics facility and mobile desalination plant in Laborie in Saint Lucia by both the Hon. Dean Jonas, Minister of Agriculture of Antigua and Barbuda and Mr. Jedidiah Maxime, Director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and Barbuda Affairs.

The Ministry is continuing the fight to stop the spread of Black Sigatoka

• Cassava

Recognizing the need to also be a part of the push towards healthier lifestyles, The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning and Natural Resources and Cooperatives have also been promoting healthier choices when it comes to food. One such crop that the Ministry has identified as an alternative choice is Cassava. A drive to increase the production of this crop has been ongoing, as well as the necessary training as to the uses of Cassava. The crop is seen as a healthier alternative to white flour and can be used for the baking of bread, cakes and pastries. Trial samples were well received and a few bakeries and outlets are now producing the products. A number of producers have also found more creative ways to make use of Cassava.

The Ministry is now working feverishly to increase the production of Cassava so as to meet the growing demands.

Jameson Alphonse an aquaponics farmer who in 2017 won the Green Award, Idea of the Year Award and the Prime Minister’s Award for Innovation at the chamber awards.

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Consistency is Key to Banana Market Development

Minister for Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and Cooperatives, Hon Ezechiel Joseph

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ith widespread changes across the board since assuming office in 2016, the Allen Chastanet led administration has placed focus on creating opportunities and improving the livelihoods of citizens. Agriculture has been a primary area of focus in the past few months with crop diversification and increasing production on top of the agenda.

During his 2018-2019 budget presentation, Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet elaborated on the government’s plans for elevating the agricultural industry, something he said remained a priority for his administration. According to the prime minister improving quality standards, consistency, encouraging crop diversification and improving enterprise development is key.

Agriculture Minister Ezechiel Joseph spoke recently on government led initiatives to assist farmers ahead of the establishment of new linkages. He also spoke about enhancing current relations with traditional markets, such as that of the United Kingdom, which has in recent times been affected by a lack of consistency in supply from Saint Lucia.

“We have our traditional markets in the UK and we want to expand production,” he said. “One of the concerns of our friends in the UK has to do with lack of consistency, so we have embarked on a banana rehab programme to assist farmers in increasing productivity, so we will be in a position to supply on a more consistent basis.”

A new and emerging market for exports was France, and the minister said the government was in discussions with a French company which had indicated a desire to establish trading relations with Saint Lucia. Scheduled to begin in January but delayed because of unfavorable climate conditions, those plans were still in the negotiation stages, but expected to develop soon. The minister noted the importance of not only being able to supply new markets but being able to continue supporting traditional markets.

“With our new programme we are seeing the impact on production. We believe there’s a good possibility to start trading with the French market,” the minister said, emphasising that progress in this regard was dependant on climatic conditions which have caused many set backs for the industry in the past.

Increased banana production would result in an increase in exports of the commodity to major supermarket chains in the UK and other international markets. It would also accomplish an aim of exceeding the demands of the local market, which is on stream with the government’s objective of attaining food crop security on the wider scale and managing the island’s food import bill. All of these are expected to optimize employment opportunities available within the agricultural sector.

The government has continued to support the development of farmers and the agricultural industry by providing fertilizers and inputs at discounted rates and making available extension officers with a more targeted reach charged with responsibility for educating farmers on best practices and sharing other relevant knowledge. This incentive as well as other training opportunities and benefits are expected to increase farming labour on island moving forward.

“We have our traditional markets in the UK and we want to expand production . . . So we have embarked on a banana rehab programme to assist farmers in increasing productivity, so we will be in a position to supply on a more consistent basis.”

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Insurance and Pensions for Farmers

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ith every hurricane season comes the chance that many of St. Lucia’s farms will be adversely affected.

Crops of all varieties, as well as livestock are at the mercy of heavy rains, accompanying flooding and strong winds. Poor irrigation or drainage, and the fragile nature of some crops grown

by St Lucian farmers result in the constant rehabilitation of both small and large farms across the island. Similarly, prolonged droughts during the dry season can cause large scale damage to crops. Whereas there are various facilities to remedy damage caused to other property, farmers are usually unable to do so for their farms. Most major insurance companies offer security against fires, flooding and home and health.

According to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Cooperatives, Natural Resources and Physical Planning, Ezekiel Joseph, given the changing weather conditions due to climate change, ‘an insurance program for farmers is critical to the stabilization of the agriculture sector’. He also added that the frequency of weather phenomena makes it all the more important to have this system in place.

comprehensive plan for farmers.

CCRIF has been instrumental in providing financial support for member territories following damage after natural disasters.

After Hurricane Mathew, the member states received a total of US$29,204,248 and US$55 million after Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Of the former amount, St. Lucia received US$3.7 million dollars. In 2007, CRIFF became the world’s first regional risk pool to cover hurricanes and earthquakes.

Previously, most farmers would turn to the government after natural disasters or severe damage to their farms. Joseph stated As of the second quarter of 2018, The Banana Production that ‘we have told the farmers we cannot continue [where] Improvement Project has continued to sensitize and educate each time there is an unfortunate situation, that they run to the farmers on the importance of government for support. I think insuring their farms. According the time has come where we have ‘The provision of insurance for local farmers to project manager Kerde to look at insurance in a compreSeverin, the goal is to get as hensive way’. and fishers will serve as a necessary risk many farmers registered with management financial tool to deal with the the Caribbean Risk Insurance Local banana farmers benefited threat of natural disasters and other Facility Segregated Portfolio from insurance for their farms via Company (CCRIF SPC). the Windward Island Crop Insurunfortunate occurrences’ ance Ltd (WINCROP), however, The provision of insurance for Joseph indicated that it does local farmers and fishers will serve as a necessary risk manageadequately benefit other types of farmers. As such, various ment financial tool to deal with the threat of natural disasters agricultural officials were engaged in discussions to review this and other unfortunate occurrences. insurance plan, and to introduce a more comprehensive insurance policy which would cover not just crops, but fisheries and Another area of importance in the agricultural sector has been livestock. that of pensions for famers and fishers. As early as 2002, proposals had been made for a pension plan. In 2017, Minister In an effort to do so, the Ministry of Agriculture solicited the of Agriculture Ezekiel Joseph indicated that plans to revisit this services of EC Global to assess the government’s options in proposal would be taken into consideration. Kerde Severin of providing insurance support for local farmers immediately after the Banana Production Improvement Project believes that the a natural disaster. Following these discussions earlier in 2018, way forward is to register all farmers with the NIC, so that they the Ministry of Agriculture agreed to engage the Caribbean Risk will be entitled to a pension when they can no longer farm.

Insurance Facility (CCRIF) to develop a

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Rural Women to Revolutionize Agro-Processing!

• In 2017 Saint Lucia achieved full commitment of resources allocated to it by the European Union under its agricultural transformation program of the Banana Accompany Measures BAM in the assigned time of three years. A further two years was allocated to the full implementation of all projects € 10.5 million • Eden Compton is the Technical Coordinator for BAM under which there are 27 projects. These include; the Fond Assau Agro-Processing Plant, The Anse Gere Agro Processing facility, La Caye Production Facility, Cocoa Fermenting Project in Micoud, Road rehabilitation; Dennery, Micoud, Vieux Fort and Soufriere/Fond St. Jacques, equipment for the youth in Agriculture program and importation of oil for the management of Black Sigatoka

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or many years we have been hearing about the wastage of fruits like mangoes and others when they are in season, with calls for more to be done about agro processing here in Saint Lucia. Well you may not know it, but for some time now, several industrious women have been organizing themselves and are now fully prepared to take up the opportunities in agro processing.

They are the Saint Lucia Network of Rural Women Producers (SLNRWP) which consist four clusters; the Babonneau and Micoud Clusters as well as the Anse Kawet Crafters and Canabelle Cooperative. The primary focus of members, are agro processing and farming with the production of such items as jams, jellies, vegetables chips, chocolate, fresh agricultural produce and craft items.

In recent times the Micoud cluster has been the beneficiary of the BAM, the Banana Accompanying Measures program, funded by the European Union. This cluster is made up of 25 women who reside between Praslin and Desruisseux. The women range in age from early twenties to late sixties and produce a variety of jams, jellies, candied fruits and vegetables, tamarind balls, fudge, plantain chips, guava and mango cheese, vegetable juices, punches and wines.

Carmen Nurse, who is the president of SLNRWP and the Micoud Cluster, says that members who have been very proactive over the years are looking forward to the opening of a central depot through the BAM funding in September where they can adequately produce to meet international standards. Both SEQUA and IICA have also provided funding to the group.

The Micoud women received funding for agro-processing equipment and were provided with space at the Anse Gere Depot of the Ministry of Agriculture to set-up its processing facility. “This facility will assist in ensuring greater quality control, proper packaging and labelling, storage and distribution of the end products,” Ms. Nurse says.

Ms. Hannah Lubin is one of the women of the Micoud Cluster. She produces wines and liquors and says she is excited about the possibilities. “I have received some assistance from IICA and GEF and with the opening of the facility it can help me expand my business,” Lubin says. She is also expected to receive assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture, who has been working with some of the women with irrigation of farms. “I would like to look at the farming side of things because I also use cactus for my wines and my intention is to grow and explore the use of a variety of them,” she says.

Carmen Nurse says that the core objectives of SLNRWP, is to empower rural women by ensuring economic viability and sustainability in agriculture.

• The Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) are a support package for a number of banana-exporting countries from the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of states. The objective is to facilitate these countries’ adjustment to a new trading environment

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GOVERNMENT ACHIEVEMENTS IN AGRICULTURE

• Increased number of Farmers • Improvement in quality and quantity of Farms • Increased Banana Production • Increased Banana Exports • Exploring New markets in the UK & France • Introduction of Insurance & Pensions for Farmers • PPP with a Saint Lucian/Taiwan company for Agro Processing: Local juice, Chocolate, Ice Cream • Doubled the budget allocation for Agriculture • Support to farmers affected by the passage of Tropical Storm Matthew • Commencement of Agricultural Transformation Project

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Government focused on Wealth Generation and Consistency for Farmers

Taiwan and Saint Lucia continue to work together on several projects in agriculture. Prime Minister, Agriculture Minister, Security Minister, Taiwan Ambassador and staff from the Ministry and the Taiwan Technical Mission pictured this week at a presentation on areas of cooperation.

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n his address at the Taiwanese Technical Mission’s farm in Union on August 15, Agriculture Minister Ezechiel Joseph opened with the refreshing sentiment that brighter days were on the horizon for local farmers. The event was aimed at providing an update on the agricultural and ICT programmes and other areas of cooperation between Saint Lucia and the Republic of China (Taiwan).

The agriculture minister spoke about misperceptions that the agricultural ministry solely focused on supporting banana farmers. Joseph said the ministry had just completed a programme that looked at seven crops that could be grown in St Lucia on a sustainable basis, and how it would be possible to reduce the importation of those crops for local farmers to realize more profits. The programme complemented efforts of crop diversification currently being explored and supported by the government. These were among several efforts targeting the agriculture sector on a whole.

The banana industry as it stood, was now more settled according to the minister due to recent increases in labour and production and successes in various programmes implemented in the last few years. The next step would be encouraging locals to utilize what was being grown locally. Equally important was improving technology, promoting affordability and ensuring

Agriculture Minister Ezechiel Joseph with Taiwan Ambassador Douglas Shen following the signing of a cooperation agreement at the Union Farm.

farmers across the board had a reliable market to sell their produce. Though the minister noted various ways the government has, and continues to assist all farmers, he said it was important to move away from the handout mentality to more business-oriented thinking.

“Let’s make our farmers more independent,” he said.

“Let’s make available the resources and technology so they can see it from a business point of view.”

With a prime minster who believed in agriculture, and a tourism minister who appreciated the linkages between tourism and agriculture, the minister was confident the industry was headed in the right direction.

Prime minister Allen Chastanet, also speaking at the event, highlighted Saint Lucia’s longstanding relationship with the Republic of China /Taiwan and made mention of former prime minister Sir John Compton’s first trip to Taiwan where he’d witnessed firsthand their advancement in the agricultural sector.

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Working with farmers on a regular basis to improve yield.

“I know Taiwan has grown, but agriculture still remains a core of what you’re doing,” he said addressing the Taiwanese delegation directly. The prime minister said Saint Lucia was keen on learning more as it related to agriculture and developing the strategic relationship with Taiwan.

“We have an opportunity in helping you continue to develop your markets in this part of the world, and clearly for Saint Lucia, in looking at Taiwan as a foothold for us in Asia. It is our government’s clear intention to make sure the embassy in Taiwan is not only for Taiwan but the Asian market, and we’re looking to see what we can do in terms of penetrating.”

The prime minister was encouraged by the reinvigoration of agriculture on island, and the fact that Saint Lucia was moving up in prominence in the sector.

Leading the charge was the banana industry, which had seen export numbers double from the government’s assumption into office, until now. There was now a situation where demand exceeded supply in the UK, and new markets beckoned in France and Europe.

Though the industry was still in infancy stages, with new structural changes posed by government particularly as it relates to the Fish Marketing Corporation and the Saint Lucia Marketing Board, the sector is well poised for significant growth. Growth that will make way for more income generation for farmers all over the island. In the words of the prime minister, “We want to see very wealthy farmers in St Lucia. Not just good farmers, wealthy farmers, and ones who can now take care of their families and their communities.”

Taiwanese Ambassador Douglas Cheng-Tsung Shen said Saint Lucia and Taiwan had a lot in common including natural resources, climate, universal values of democracy, among other things. As Saint Lucia’s partner in development, he said Taiwan was more than happy to share its experience with Saint Lucia, so both territories could continue to be ‘beautiful islands.’ Currently, bilateral corporation between the two territories includes agriculture, information technology, education, volunteers, and grass roots development. As it relates to agriculture, the government of Taiwan has assisted Saint Lucia with several initiatives including the Plant Tissue Culture Project, the Fruit and Vegetable Project, the Black Sigatoka Management Project, and the Aquaculture Project. The Taiwanese embassy will embark on a new project with the government of Saint Lucia in 2019 that is expected to further benefit the sector. The Saint Lucia Production – Marketing Coordination Project which will be to the tune of US 2,450,400 will span from April 1, 2019, to March 2021 and will be executed by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Taiwan Technical Mission. The project focuses on food security, import substitution, climate change adaptation and commercial post-harvest production. It is also expected to address the implementation of market information systems, production session regulation, precision agriculture cloud data base, and providing affordable technology to farmers.

“Taiwan will remain focused to support the growth and development of the banana subsector in particular, agriculture, ICT and the rural economy in general,” the ambassador said, adding that he looked forward to turning a new page in the existing partnership of mutual benefits and prosperity between Saint Lucia and Taiwan.

“Let’s make our farmers more independent. Let’s make available the resources and technology so they can see it from a business point of view.”

---Hon. Ezechiel Joseph

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More Farmers and Acreage the Revolution of the Agricultural Sector

Increased banana production and crop diversification continues to be the focus of the government’s agricultural policy.

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griculture, particularly bananas, once provided stable footing for Saint Lucia’s economy. Although the industry remains profitable, a series of misfortunes have weakened its contribution to the economy.

Competition from larger countries, the end of preferential treatment, and vulnerability to natural disasters have hurt the agricultural sector. While bananas are still a popular export crop, the Black Sigatoka outbreak in 2012 created a dip in export quantities.

Toward the end of the 20th century, tourism became the economic stronghold for Saint Lucia. However, the growing tourist population created a need for more produce from local farms to supplement local restaurants. Still, agriculture is not where it once used to be, and is not providing the same benefits it did two decades ago.

Recently, coordinated efforts have begun in an effort to bolster agriculture, specifically exports and increased acreage. In the 2018/2019 budget address, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet expressed that the government recognizes the role that agriculture continues to play in our economy, as a form of employment, especially in rural areas. It helps reduce poverty by generating income, and achieving food security. With that in mind, the Government of St Lucia has embarked on several initiatives aimed not only at strengthening the local agriculture, but creating an avenue for increased exports.

In 2013, the European Union provided 10.3 million euro for the commencement of the Agricultural Transformation Programme of the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM). The expected outcome is that it will increase the ‘revenue generating potential of the rural sector’. It also aims to create increased productivity in the agricultural sector through entrepreneurship, innovative and technology oriented approaches, agri-enterprise development and quality standards and certification. The project is expected to conclude in the 2018/2019 financial year.

Increased banana production continues to be the focus of the government’s agricultural policy. As such, the acreage allotted to banana cultivation now stands at 2,100 acres, through the help of grants from the Republic of China Taiwan. The increased acreage means that 406 more farmers are now benefitting from banana cultivation.

Focus is also being placed on making Saint Lucia more self-sufficient by ensuring food crop security and reducing the food import bill. The ultimate goal is to produce a surplus of crops which can then be channeled to a new food processing industry for export to the regional market. This would create numerous benefits including alleviating shortages, and providing pricing stability for fresh produce. The Ministry of Agriculture is working toward producing the crops that are desired in the regional market. There is a need for lettuce, cabbage and cantaloupes among others. According to Chief Extension Officer Kemuel Jn Baptiste the necessary import volumes have been calculated, and what is now needed is sufficient acreage. The Ministry is working on securing agreements with buyers in order to open new markets for Saint Lucian produce.

Other crucial steps are being taken to redevelop the agricultural sector. Consideration is being made to consolidate the Saint Lucia Marketing Board and the St. Lucia Fish Marketing Corporation. The Trade Export Promotion Agency (TEPA) is also looking to secure foreign interests in order to export more local produce and by-products.

Agricultural Minister Ezechiel Joseph noted that in keeping with combatting challenges faced by the industry, the government has embarked on several initiatives to assist farmers.

“One of the biggest challenges the farmers had was having a reliable supply of inputs, so we have undertaken a project to make sure we have inputs available whenever farmers would want to buy inputs,” he said. “We have also undertaken to improve certain conditions as it pertains to drainage, reducing the impact of Black Sigatoka, and improving marketing facilities.”

The government continues to support the development of farmers and the agricultural industry by providing farmers with fertilizers at a discounted rate and making available extension officers with a more targeted reach charged with responsibility for educating farmers on best practices and sharing knowledge. This incentive as well as other training opportunities and benefits are expected to trigger the labour related growth necessary to sustain increasing production levels moving forward.

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BUILDING A RESILIENT FISHERIES SECTOR

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he Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Co-operatives describes the function of the Department of Fisheries as: “[providing] effective and efficient services in promoting sustainable development of Saint Lucia’s fisheries sector through participatory management and sustainable use of the fishery resources”.

In a small island state like Saint Lucia, the fisheries sector is of equal importance to the agricultural sector. Not only does it contribute to the country’s food basket, but serves as a lucrative source of employment for many citizens. In a country profile report, The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations indicated that “the fishing industry is seen as an important vehicle for providing income and sustenance to rural coastal communities”. While this is one function of it, the fisheries sector generates income in urban areas, and enjoys constant patronage from the hotel industry. As of 2014, 1,346 St. Lucians were employed as fisher folk.

With this in mind, the St Lucia Fish Marketing Corporation Limited (SLFMC) was created by the government as a statutory body to provide a “guaranteed market to fishermen year round” (FAO). The SLFMC is responsible for encouraging the proper handling and processing of fish, as well as catering to the increasing tourism demand for fresh and frozen fish. However, the SLFMC has faced a number of difficulties after over 25 years of existence.

According to the United Nations, fisheries management constraints include manpower and financial limitations which would facilitate the effective sensitization and enforcement of community based

management that would allow for nationwide protection of the fisheries sector.

Most recently, the foremost issue faced by the Fish Marketing Corporation has been the late salary payments to local fishermen. Consequently fishermen have held multiple protest demonstrations from the beginning of 2018. Although they were eventually compensated, this is a major flaw in the running of the SLFMC. Late payments hinder fishermen from reinvesting in their enterprise, and bettering their service.

Minister for Agriculture, Ezechiel Joseph, believes that the SLFMC has “served its usefulness”, and that the “environment [in which] they are operating now is different from when [the corporation] was established”. As such, the government of St Lucia has entered into discussions which will eventually lead to the restructuring of the corporation.

Joseph has indicated that a consultant has been solicited to prepare the necessary documentation to bring before cabinet. There, recommendations or approval may be made. Joseph also believes that this new structure will properly benefit the fishermen, and future payments will be timely.

The new approach to the corporation would incorporate the local fishing population into the running of the entity.

In addition, consideration is being given to making St. Lucia’s fishing sector more resilient to climate change. Although the industry has not been seriously affected by hurricanes in the past, the impending weather phenomena may prove to be harmful.

The government of Japan has been consistent in providing aid to the country’s fishing industry, and continues to do so through support in climate change. According to the agriculture minister, with the help of the Japanese government and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism new technology to combat the effects of climate change will be introduced. In 2017, the government began the development of a National Adaption Plan (NAP) to prepare the country for the effects of climate change. The Japanese government is also assisting with this initiative through the Japanese-Caribbean Climate Change Partnership in collaboration with the UNDP and International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).

With the upcoming configurations and additions to Saint Lucia’s fisheries sector, the Minister of Agriculture promises that it will not only benefit its immediate stakeholders, but the general consumer population.

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MINISTERS ON THE MOVE Site visit with WASCO to determine a solution to address the dire water shortages experienced by residents of LaMaze and Mongouge.

Minister Herod Stanislas attending the fifth Ministers Council Meeting on Environmental Stability in Montserrat.

Prime Minister and former US President Bill Clinton check out OJO Labs which has been hiring and training young people in AI Technology.

Education Minister Gale Rigobert greets US President Bill Clinton as he arrives in Saint Lucia.

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At a glance ...

ENTERTAINMENT

Dennery Segment to Tour US

On Monday August 13, there was an invasion of sorts to the Office of the Prime Minister, by a number Saint Lucian artists, who have popularized the sub-genre of Soca now known as the Dennery Segment.

This created quite a buzz, as they were celebrated and endorsed by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Department of Culture for an upcoming initiative.

The Dennery Segment artists will be provided with support by the Government, as they embark on a tour of the United States of America. This six states promotional tour to the United States will kick off during the popular Labour Day weekend in New York and culminate in Miami for Miami Carnival. Stops during the tour will also include Boston, Connecticut, Texas and Atlanta. While in the US, the performers will not only be promoting their music, but Saint Lucia and the many festivals including Carnival.

Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Hon. Allen Chastanet commended the artists for finally being able to take something that is uniquely Saint Lucian and coming together to package it with the intention of taking it global.

The artists, along with their managers reached out to the Government for support and Prime Minister Allen Chastanet did not hesitate in considering their proposal and pledging his support. Other agencies will also be coming to the assistance of the artists who have organized a number of fund raising ventures before leaving for the US. The 2018 Road March Winners Krome and Nasis, Keenan, Mac 11, Mighty & Subance, Umpa, Big C, Migos & Mata, Cooya and Shemmy will form part of the touring party.

Saint Lucia Carnival Prize Giving

EVENTS

For the second straight year, winners of the various competitions for carnival received their prizes and monies, less than a month after the end of the festivities. The National Carnival parade climaxed on July 17, following weeks of yet another successful Looshan Carnival.

On Thursday August 9, 2018 the Events Company of Saint Lucia the main organizers of Carnival, brought all the major players of carnival together at Sandals Halcyon, for a grand celebration of this year’s event. Speaking at the event, Thomas Leonce CEO of ECSL remarked that he was elated that the event had scored many successes this year, among them drawing record numbers of visitors as well as a number of sold-out events.

Minister for Local Government and Culture Senator the Hon. Fortuna Belrose commended the organizers and recognized the fact that there was greater youth participation at many of the activities, including Panorama and Junior carnival. This she says, must continue to be nurtured if the event is to continue to grow.

The Prize giving ceremony featured a production in song, dance, steelpan and costume entitled the Evolution of Carnival. Performers on the night included 2018 panorama Champions Babonneau Steel Orchestra, Calypso Monarch Mr. Brown, Groovy King Arthur as well as Ezra D Fun Machine, Mantius and Nassis & Krome Road March winners.

EVENTS

Mercury Fest a Success

Tourism officials and organizers of the just concluded Mercury Fest have hailed it a tremendous success.

The event was held August 10 and 11 at Pigeon Island. It featured French artiste Kalash, Dancehall sensation Popcaan out of Jamaica and more than 15 Saint Lucian performers and DJs. This week, Minister of Tourism Hon. Dominic Fedee heaped praise on promoters EPIC Events as well as the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority for making the event happen within such a short space of time.

He also thanked the private sector and the many sponsors who supported Mercury Fest.

Preliminary results according to the Minister, suggest that approximately 2, 000 visitors from Martinique came to Saint Lucia specifically for Mercury Fest. “What is clear is the economic impact to the economy; the inclusion of local vendors, purchases at supermarkets, taxi drivers, stores, restaurants all doing very well,” Minister Fedee says.

The hotels within the vicinity of the event all reported high occupancy levels for Mercury Fest. “This really says to me that there is a lot of strength and demand for Saint Lucia in Martinique,” the Minister says.

There was also buy-in from the many Saint Lucians who attended the event and has given it high marks. Organizers say that they are already reviewing the event and the intention is to make it an even bigger attraction in 2019.

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SAINT LUCIA WE LOVE Did you know…

Office of the Prime Minister -www.facebook.com/opmsaintlucia -www.instagram.com/opmsaintlucia Allen Chastanet -www.facebook.com/allenmchastanet -www.twitter.com/allenmchastanet Lenard "Spider" Montoute -www.facebook.com/lenardspidermontoute Ezechiel Joseph -www.facebook.com/ezechieljoseph758 Sarah Flood Beaubrun -www.facebook.com/sarahfloodbeaubrun758 Guy Joseph -www.facebook.com/guyejoseph Stephenson King www.facebook.com/stephensonking Mary Isaac -www.facebook.com/maryisaacslu Fortuna Belrose -www.facebook.com/fortunabelrose758 Dominic Fedee -www.facebook.com/dominic.fedee Herod Stanislas -www.facebook.com/herodstanislas

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National symbols run rampant in the Caribbean. For Saint Lucia, two such symbols are the rose and the marguerite, which are the symbols of the two flower festivals celebrated on island. Another notable symbol is the calabash, which is the national tree of Saint Lucia.

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Saint Lucia is one of several islands in the Caribbean featured in Pirates of the Caribbean. The picturesque Marigot Bay makes a spectacular appearance in the unforgettable Hollywood film.

Other islands making an appearance include the Bahamas, Dominica, and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines.

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Where symbolism is concerned, Saint Lucia’s coat of arms speaks a language of its own. Paying tribute to the island’s cultural influences, three symbols, the Tudor Rose, the Stool and the Fleur de lis, represent ties to England, Africa and France, respectively.

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With an elevation of 3,117 feet, Mount Gimie is the tallest mountain in Saint Lucia. Guided uphill hikes which start somewhere around 1,150 feet present unforgettable views of the East and South coastlines, including Vieux Fort and the Maria Islands.

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Bradly Felix -www.facebook.com/bradlyfelix758 Dr Gale T C Rigobert -www.facebook.com/drgalerigobert758 Edmund Estephane -www.facebook.com/edmundestephane758

Ups, downs, twists, and turns – sounds very much like an off the beaten track expedition, and the one in focus this week is the Mount Gimie hike. Though climbing the Pitons is more commonly done, Mount Gimie has plenty of sights and sounds nature lovers can take advantage of with the help of a trained tour guide. Expert hikers rate the trail seven out of ten for difficulty level but say the view from the top is more than worth the physical exertion it takes to get there in the first place!