AGRIC INFO /Edition 1 2023

EDITION 1 - 2023

Ministry of Agriculture host several Information and Awareness Meetings

CARDI hosts workshop on Sweet Potato Value Chain Enhancement Project

The Quest for Building Nutrition Security through Home Gardening continues

“Fill the Bucket” Campaign Launched

18

Rainforest Seafood’s First Transshipment of Tuna Fish

23

Farmers participate in Regional Dasheen Production Consultation Workshop

Farmers graduate with Competencies in Several Agricultural Practices

The Diamonites Community Group pushes the Youth in Agriculture Campaign

25

National Volcano Relief Labour Assistance Program Launched

International Day of Forest and World Water Day celebrated with an Exhibition

BNTF sign Contracts to commence Footpath Construction

Marriaqua Schools joined Together to Celebrate

Fisherfolk receive a technological boost in capacity

National Volcano Relief Labour Assistance Program in Full Swing!

Tri Tri Fishers given capacity boost through

National Parks Protected Areas System Plan and Protected Areas Policy

SVG Beekeeper’s Association discuss plans for 2023

Ministry of Agriculture host several Information & Awareness Meetings

In December 2022, The Ministry of Agriculture held the 1st Information and Awareness Meeting centered on the National Agricultural Crop Expansion Programme which is geared towards increasing crop production to satisfy the growing international demand. In January 2023, the meetings continued in all agricultural regions throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Each meeting had an excellent turnout where farmers were given the opportunity to share their views. Discussions on the building of a production platform with rising demand for produce in light of the emerging markets were also held.

SOUTH RIVERS:

BIABOU:

LAUDERS:

DAUPHINE

CARDI hosts workshop on Sweet Potato Value Chain Enhancement Project

The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) held a workshop on the Regional Sweet Potato Value Chain Enhancement and Technology Transfer Project on Thursday 19th January 2023 at the Frenches House, Kingstown.

Island Representative for CARDI in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Gregory Linton indicated that the objectives of the project are:

· To promote the sustainable production, processing, preparation, commercialization and consumption of safe, affordable, nutritious, high-quality Caribbean food commodities.

· To improve efficiency and competitiveness of targeted value chains and promote greater investments in the Agri-food Sector.

Mr. Linton referenced the 2019 study on the State of Agriculture in the Caribbean conducted by Caribbean Development Bank along with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. He indicated that the Food Import Bills had more than doubled between the period of 2000 and 2018.

According to Mr. Linton, the study revealed that in “Countries such as Haiti, Dominica, Guyana and Grenada, agriculture contributes between 7 and 17 percent to GDP which doesn’t sound like much, but it has a significantly larger share of employment, so while the GDP itself may not receive a significant contribution in terms of the pure economics; in terms of persons livelihood and employment, agriculture plays a significant role”.

Mr. Linton asserted that the sweet potato crop is “omnipresent” since it is adaptable to different agroecological zones throughout the Caribbean. He further stated that it is a widely consumed crop and is suitable for a wide range of food processing activities, therefore it possesses market potential.

Mr. Linton highlighted the resilience of sweet potato to climate variabilities being low-lying and not easily affected by wind.

He detailed a number of challenges to production and concluded with the three components of the project, namely:

• Sweet potato value chain analysis, market assessment and business cases.

• Market preferred sweet potato variety research.

• Technology transfer and adaptation.

He concluded by explaining that “the selection of these countries is based on the understanding of their respective commodity development tracks evidenced by preliminary studies conducted by CARDI and their partners/stakeholders”.

Gregory Linton, Island Representative, CARDI, SVG

The Quest for Building Nutrition Security through Home Gardening continues

The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Association of the Evangelical Churches of St. Vincent and the Grenadines launched the “Enhancing Household Food and Nutrition Security through Home Gardening” project on Monday 23rd January, 2023 at the Ministry of Agriculture Conference Room.

The main aim of the project is to enhance household food and nutrition security with its key objectives being:

- To enhance the capacity of five (5) youth groups to provide a sustainable source of fruit and vegetable seedlings to home gardeners and farmers.

- To improve the capacity of seventy-five (75) youth farmers and home gardeners to establish and successively cultivate fruits and vegetables.

Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer, Colville King reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment in promoting sustainable initiatives and opportunities for women and youths in Agriculture. Mr. King expects that this project would inspire citizens to align their eating habits with the National Food-based Dietary Guidelines, therefore addressing key health issues such as malnutrition and noncommunicable diseases.

Senior Technical Officer, Rural Transformation Unit, Mrs. Currel Thompson-Fergus stated that the project will only support home gardens up to 4000 sq ft by providing seedlings and technical support. She made mention of other ongoing home gardening projects with seventy-five (75) households and five (5) established youth groups.

President of the Association of Evangelical Churches of SVG, Dr. Reynold Murray indicated that the decision to allocate donated funds to food security emerged as a result of inflation and increased prices for food.

L-R: Dr. Reynold Murray, President, Association of Evangelical Churches of SVG, Currel Thompson-Fergus, Senior Technical Officer, Colville King, Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer

“Fill the Bucket ” Campaign Launched

Friday 3rd February, 2023 - The Rotary Club in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture launched the “Fill the Bucket” campaign which aims to provide irrigation access to farmers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This project, which was initiated by the Rotary Club of St. Vincent District 7030 and is funded by the donations of clubs in Rotary District 6600 (Ohio), aims to provide water tanks and establish Ram pump systems for approximately one hundred and eleven (111) farmers. The Ram pump system will be established through the use of nearby streams as a water source.

The project comes at an opportune time when the country and the farming community is beset by several existential shocks such as Climate Change, Covid-19 pandemic and the effects of the 2021 La Soufriere Volcano eruption.

To commemorate the launch, a short press briefing was held at the Ministry of Agriculture Conference Room. Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour, Hon Saboto Caesar hoped that this initiative will foster connections with other farmers. The Minister noted that this project will not only benefit the agricultural and livestock industries but also the emerging hospitality industry with regards to the demand for produce.

President, Rotary Club of SVG District 7030, Daniel Campbell expressed his excitement with the project as it will see the unprecedented use of cutting-edge technology in SVG. The Rotary Club of SVG intends to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Central Water and Sewage Authority (CWSA) to guarantee the Ram pump system’s effective installation, he informed.

International Service Chair for Rotary District 6600 in northwest Ohio, Andrew Bone also expressed his certainty that the project will contribute significantly to the economy of SVG.

Chief Agricultural Officer, Renato Gumbs thanked the Rotary club for recognizing the need to enhance the water capability systems to assist agricultural and livestock farmers.

Rotary International is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem solvers who envision a future in which people unite and take action to achieve sustainable change - globally, in our communities and in ourselves.

L-R: Andrew Bone, International Service Chair, Rotary District 6600, Northwest Ohio, Daniel Campbell, President, Rotary Club SVG, Hon Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, Renato Gumbs, Chief Agricultural Officer

Rainforest Seafood’s First Transshipment of Tuna Fish

On February 7th 2023, Mr. Christopher Ragbir, a Trinidadian Captain of the vessel ‘Captain David’, docked a significant amount of tuna fish in St. Vincent and the Grenadines with recognition by Hon Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour. This remarkably enabled the Rainforest Facility in Calliaqua to transship tuna fish for the first time since its establishment, indicating development in the blue economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Captain Christopher Ragbir mentioned that he anticipates providing future business to Rainforest, upon recognition that the facility has an ideal standard.

For Rainforest, this is an amazing prospect, as Stephen Seymour, the company’s Country Manager, views the transformation that is taking place as a vital necessity.

L-R: Captain Christopher Ragibir, Trinidadian Fisherman, Hon Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, Stephen Seymore, Country Manager, Rainforest Seafood

Farmers participate in Regional Dasheen Production Consultation Workshop

Approximately two hundred (200) Dasheen Producers and Ministry of Agriculture officials gathered at the Kingstown Methodist Church Hall for a Dasheen consultation workshop on Tuesday, February 7th, 2023. The theme of the workshop was “Meeting the Demand for the Constant Supply of Dasheen for Local, Regional and International markets”.

Head of the Extension and Advisory Services, Marcus Richards explained the importance of the gathering in the furtherance of the Windward Food Corridor. According to Mr. Richards, the workshop sought to create awareness for the demand of Dasheen on the local, regional and international market, address production plan issues and ascertain the consistency of supply required for implementation.

Chief Agricultural Officer, Renato Gumbs, urged stakeholders to take note of the trends within the market and constant changes to the required standard for the international exportation of produce.

He stressed the need for farmers to understand their target market to allow for the possibility of increased market share. Mr. Gumbs also pointed out the need to take “a scientific approach” in food production in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Minister of Agriculture Hon Saboto Caesar expressed the position that “Dasheen is going to occupy the lion share of our efforts”. Minister Caesar informed the gathering that the Ministry of Agriculture has identified a list of opportunities for the generation of income in the Agricultural Sector:

o The Blue Economy

o Reduction of the Food Import Bill

o Supplying the Hospitality Industry

o Dasheen Production

o Livestock Production

o Tree crop Production

o Horticulture

o Medicinal Wellness Industry (Cannabis)

According to the Minister, “the main conditions for propelling the dasheen production platform are an established market, suitable pricing and technical assistance”.

Marcus Richards, Head of Extension & Advisory Services

Hon Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture

FAO Consultant, Jai Rampersaud explained the initiatives of the newly launched regional cluster of projects on promoting Windward Islands Food Production and Trade Corridor through National and Regional Value Chain Development. He concluded that there would be benefits in increased income, employment and markets with the expansion in the economies of scale of local production.

The workshop concluded with a working session in which farmers were separated into different groups to discuss the state of the industry and to make recommendations on the way forward.

The Diamonites Community Youth Group pushes the Youth in Agriculture Campaign

The Diamonites Community Group, located in Diamonds village, arranged an open-air meeting at Earlene Horne’s Square on Thursday, February 16th 2023 to educate young people about the benefits and opportunities available in the agricultural sector.

Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer, Colville King spoke about the available opportunities for job creation and income for youths.

Owner and Manager of JJ’s Farm located in Hadley’s Village, Jonathan Durrant shared his success in vegetable production and encouraged the youths present to get involved in the agricultural sector as it is an avenue for a sustainable income.

He highlighted the need for technology in local crop production and urged listeners to expand agro-processing and value addition in the agricultural sector here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

He also outlined the opportunities in agro-tourism for youths in Diamonds Village and concluded by encouraging young persons to start producing to attract financing, be accountable and apply management principles to their venture.

Minister of Agriculture, Hon Saboto Caesar announced the formation of the Mozambique Farms in the Village of Diamond and outlined the opportunities available for young farmers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines especially in vegetable production.

The Minister stressed the need to move away from some of the traditional implements to more modern technology to assist in the transforming SVG’s agricultural sector.

At the end of the meeting, Minister Caesar presented Mozambique Farms with two water tanks to assist with water availability on the farm.

Colville King, Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer

Jonathan Durrant, Owner, JJ’s Farm

Hon Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture

The Youth Agri-entrepreneurship for Rural Development (YARD) project aims to improve production capacity and competitiveness of young agrientrepreneurs through better access to lands, facilities, equipment, skills development and seed capital. The project is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and National Mobilisation (Youth Affairs Department) and funded by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisations (FAO).

National Volcano Relief Labour Assistance Program Launched

The National Volcano Relief Labour Assistance Program (NVRLAP), which is aimed at advancing productivity in St. Vincent and the Grenadines was launched on Tuesday, February 21st 2023 at the Troumaca Government School. The project is being executed by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the SVG Red Cross Society and the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints SVG.

At the ceremony, Chief Agricultural Officer, Renato Gumbs delivered welcoming remarks and reaffirmed the extension services commitment to doing more to provide assistance to farmers on the leeward side of the island.

Minister of Agriculture, Hon Saboto Caesar announced the distribution of approximately 50 water tanks. Bearing in mind the limited stock, the Minister encouraged beneficiaries to share with other farmers as we are all working together to advance the agricultural sector. He informed the gathering that the Ministry of Agriculture is working assiduously to reinstate North Leeward as the breadbasket for vegetable production in SVG and the OECS.

President – SVG Red Cross Society, Alston Anderson encouraged youth and women to “rise to the challenge” and get involved in the agricultural industry. Mr. Anderson vowed that every effort would be made to guarantee that the project is a resounding success.

Humanitarian Missionary for the

Church of Jesus

Christ of Latter Day Saints SVG, Opreth Sutherland stated that their donation is based on the principles established in Mark Chapter 12, verses 30 -31. He expressed his admiration for the tenacity and determination shown by the agricultural sector despite the effects of the 2021 La Soufriere Volcano eruption.

Renato Gumbs, Chief Agricultural Officer

Hon Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture

Alston Anderson, President, SVG Red Cross Society

Opreth Sutherland Humanitarian Missionary, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints SVG

Area Representative – North Leeward, Carlos James emphasized the need to increase production in light of the rising demand for agricultural produce locally and regionally, which is brought on by the expanding hospitality industry. He informed the gathering that the Governmental agencies are working together to erect the infrastructure required to provide ease of access to farms.

Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves stated that the Government allocated 27 million dollars to building the Agricultural Industry in SVG. He outlined key components of the Government’s Agricultural plan for 2023. To allow for increased food production and availability to residents, the Government will provide:

• Seeds and plants to facilitate propagation and distribution.

• Greenhouses to assist in food and vegetable production.

• Agricultural equipment and materials for farmers.

• On farm irrigation equipment.

• Training for vegetable and food production, artificial insemination and sustainable fishing practices.

• Nitrogen generators for Livestock farmers (meat, poultry and eggs).

• Pedigree stock for Livestock Breeding.

The event concluded with fertilizer being distributed to farmers.

Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of SVG Fertilizer Distribution

Carlos James, Area Representative, North Leeward

BNTF sign Contracts to commence Footpath and Road Construction

The Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) has had a significantly positive impact on the lives of the poor and vulnerable, particularly in rural communities, via the implementation and support of several projects and programmes. The BNTF in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and local

companies signed contracts to commence the construction of roads and footpaths.

(Wednesday 29th March 2023)

These projects are part of the 10th cycle of the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), which is dedicated to funding initiatives that enhance access to education and improve living conditions in low-income and vulnerable communities.

The BNTF – SVG is jointly funded by the CDB and the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This grant programme seeks to pursue and contribute to the reduction of poverty in poor, rural and vulnerable communities.

construction

Minutemade Construction: Construction of footpaths at Mesopotamia (Glenside), Park Hill (Dondo Hole) and Barrouallie (Pierre Hughes). (Friday 24th February, 2023)

Bally & Bally Investments Ltd and Jack’s Construction Ltd: Construction of roads in New Chapmans Village, Stubbs Village, Pepper Village, Brighton Village and a Footpath in Diamond Estate.

Fisherfolk receive a technological boost in capacity

The Government of SVG has consistently provided support of various forms to the Fisherfolk of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. On Friday 3rd March 2023, approximately 80 fisherfolk received VHF Marine Radios aimed at promoting safety at sea. This donation forms part of a project implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The Handing Over Ceremony was held at the Fisheries Conference Room where remarks were given by Chief Fisheries Officer, Jennifer Cruickshank-Howard and Minister of Agriculture, Hon Saboto Caesar.

Chief Fisheries Officer, Jennifer Cruickshank Howard stressed the need for fisherfolk to participate in the training sessions to become proficient in the use of the radios. She encouraged the gathering to inspire other Fishers to become involved as they too can benefit from such an initiative.

Minister of Agriculture, Hon Saboto Caesar informed the gathering that the Government has worked diligently to advance the cause for the expansion of the Fisheries Sector which has led to a significant increase. He also mentioned that technological innovation is a significant component in their efforts to attract youth to the sector.

L-R: Jennifer Cruickshank-Howard, Chief Fisheries Officer and Hon Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture

National Volcano Relief Labour Assistance Program in

Full Swing!

The National Volcano Relief Labour Assistance Program (NVRLAP) continued in Chapmans on Tuesday 7th March 2023 where an open-air meeting was held at Noelene Richards shop.

Chief Agricultural Officer, Renato Gumbs indicated that despite the sector being ravaged by the effects of the la Soufriere volcano eruption, there is still optimism for the way forward. He noted that there have been several signs that the adversities are being overcome and that there is a need to modernize the technology used in agriculture to allow for increased productivity.

One St. Vincent Group of Companies (OSV), Head of Operations, Julian Ferdinand reaffirmed OSV’s commitment to assisting the agricultural community by providing machinery to improve their farms, revenue and efficiency.

Minister of Agriculture, Hon Saboto Caesar noted a vast improvement in agricultural productivity since the increased incorporation of modern technology into agricultural procedures. He thanked the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints for funding the programme and hoped for further collaboration in the future.

Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints SVG, Opreth Sutherland stated that the church is committed to providing assistance in any possible way to persons across the country and thanked OSV for providing assistance with the task.

Renato Gumbs, Chief Agricultural Offier

Julian Ferdinand, Head of Operations, OSV

Hon Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture

Opreth Sutherland, Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints SVG

Four hundred (400) sacks of fertilizer were distributed to farmers present compliments the Kingdom of Morocco. Agricultural Machinery from OSV’s hardware product line was on display.

National Parks Protected Areas System Plan & Protected Areas Policy

As part of the UNDP Ridge to Reef and IWECO project, a workshop was held on Wednesday 8th March 2023 at the Fisheries Conference Room to review the National Parks Protected Areas System Plan and Protected Areas Policy (NPPASP).

The goal of the policy is to establish and manage a national protected areas system that will provide for the sustainability of biodiversity and other ecosystem services and support socio economic growth and sustainable development. The facilitator of the workshop was Project Coordinator for the Ridge to Reef Project IWECO, Makini Barrow. The workshop was conducted by Founder of Spenceley Tourism and Development (STAND) Ltd and Tourism Expert, Dr Anna Spencely.

Present at the workshop were representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry Department, Fisheries Division, National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority, Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA), SVG National Trust, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Legal Affairs, Physical Planning, Coast Guard, Economic Planning, Union Island Environmental Attackers, Sustainable Development Unit and Fauna and Flora International.

Anna Spencely, Founder of Spenceley Tourism and Development (STAND) Ltd & Tourism Expert, Fitzgeral Providence, Director of Forestry

SVG Beekeeper’s Association discuss plans for 2023

Technical Staff within the Ministry of Agriculture and members of the SVG Beekeepers Association convened at the Bishop College Kingstown hard court to host a Beekeepers Awareness Meeting. This meeting was geared towards presenting the Ministry of Agriculture’s Beekeeping Work Program for 2023 to our beekeepers, farmers and to all auxiliary partners in SVG, including, SVG Beekeepers Association, IICA, FAO, GEF, SVGEF and SVGCF. Also, to promote the prospects for beekeeping development and honey production in SVG.

Allan Williams, Beekeeping Extension Officer

Beverly Reddock, President, SVG Beekeepers Association

Farmers Graduate with Competencies in Several Agricultural Practices

A total of fifty-seven (57) farmers and fisherfolk trained under the FAO Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID) Resilient School Feeding Programme graduated on Wednesday 8th March, 2023 at the NIS Conference Room, Kingstown.

This training sought to increase the capacity of these persons in Food Safety, Compost Production, Post Harvest Management, Irrigation, Small Scale Agriculture and Agri-Business Management. The main goal of the training was to better equip farmers and fisherfolk with the knowledge necessary to supply the school feeding programme.

Chief Agricultural Officer, Renato Gumbs said “Education is an important poverty eradicator” and commended the graduates on taking the initiative to build their expertise.

IICA Technical Specialist, Michael Dalton congratulated participants and urged them to apply what they had learned in their future undertakings.

Resilient School Feeding Programme, Project Coordinator, Laura Anthony Browne disclosed that menus used in the school feeding program were revised to incorporate a larger percentage of locally grown produce. Kitchen staff for seven (7) schools were also trained in Basic Food Handling and Preparation. She assured the gathering that efforts are being made to articulate a school feeding policy to guide the operation, execution and implementation of the school feeding programmes.

Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Education, Renitta Peters - Morris indicated that the Ministry of Education has committed to aid in the improvement of the nutritional status of SVG children as part of their mission to promote good nutrition and food safety. This combined initiative will attempt not only to guarantee that children have access to nutritious and fresh commodities, but also to assist in reducing the food import bill and to develop a sustainable agricultural industry.

Michael Dalton, IICA Technical Specialist

Renitta Peters-Morris, Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Education

Renato Gumbs, Chief Agricultural Officer

Laura Anthony Browne, Project Coordinator, Resilient School Feeding Programme

Ministry of Agriculture’s Permanent Secretary, Nerissa Gittens-McMillan affirmed that the school feeding initiative will instill the importance of healthy diets into the minds of children to allow for proper eating habits. Targeting children throughout their formative years allows for good long-term eating habits that will eventually contribute to a healthier nation. Taking this approach significantly reduces the risk of lifestyle diseases. Mrs. Gittens-McMillan encouraged the graduates to create connections and combine resources to improve their livelihoods.

Graduate Farmer, Kenroy Johnson, was of the belief that Agricultural Science should be placed in the core curriculum of schools due to our lineage as an agricultural society. He thanked the implementing agencies for organizing the training as he was exposed to a wealth of knowledge and had the opportunity to network with other farmers.

The event concluded with graduates being awarded their certificates.

The Resilient school feeding program which is a subproject of FAO AMEXCID aims to establish and maintain school gardens for six (6) primary schools (New Grounds, Argyle, Cane End, Paget Farm, Spring Village and Fair Hall). It also aims to provide training to 75 farmers and fisherfolk to improve their ability to supply the school feeding programme.

The project is sponsored by the Government of Mexico in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and implemented by the Inter American Institute for Corporation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Nerissa Gittens-McMillan, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture

Kenroy Johnson, Graduate Farmer

International Day of Forest and World Water Day celebrated with an Exhibition

International Day of Forest and World Water Day Exhibition on Tuesday 21st March 2023 was held at the SVG Postal Corporation Parking Lot. The exhibition was organized by the National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority and the Forestry Services with support from the UNDP Ridge to Reef and IWECO Project.

Marriaqua Schools joined Together to Celebrate World

Water Day 2023

Schools in the Marriaqua district joined together on Monday, 27th March 2023 to celebrate World Water Day 2023. The Worldwide theme for World Water Day 2023 was “Accelerating Change”. This event facilitated a march and rally aimed at raising awareness of to the public on the need for the protection of rivers in SVG.

The Forestry Services and the National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority participated in the activity. This event was organised by the St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua Environmental Science Club. Other participating schools were: Emanuel High School Marriaqua, Mountain View Academy, Evesham Methodist School and Richland Park Government School.

Tri Tri Fishers given capacity boost through the EnGenDER Project

In SVG, the Enabling Gender- Responsive Disaster Recovery Climate and Environmental Resilience (EnGenDER) project is jointly implemented by Economic Planning and the Gender Affairs division in the Ministry of National Mobilization. The project is aimed at improving climate and disaster resilience for key vulnerable populations, particularly youth and women/girls.

Given that Tri Tri Fishers were severely impacted by the eruption of the La Soufriere Volcano and are facing several environmental threats, the need to build the capacity of this group was realized. Therefore, approximately 54,000 US dollars was allocated to securing livelihood equipment: freezers, raincoats, buckets, aprons, submersible lights and water boots.

Some of the equipment was handed over on Tuesday 28th March, 2023 at the Chateaubelair Learning Resource Centre where we heard from several key speakers. Chief Fisheries Officer, Jennifer Cruickshank Howard stated that SVG’s Tri Tri industry is the most underdeveloped and exposed to a variety of climatic, coastal and geological threats. She pointed out that women make up 62% of the 350 registered fishers. She thanked the UNDP for recognizing the need to strengthen the resilience of Tri Tri fishers in order to secure the long-term viability of their livelihoods, poverty reduction and gender equality.

Environmental Resource Analyst, Economic Planning Unit, Nyasha Hamilton indicated that the project attempted to ensure that climate change and disaster reduction actions are better informed by an analysis of gender inequalities and to ensure that decisions taken by Government reduce those inequalities. The project implored the Government to take ownership of their disaster risks which allowed for the establishment of key objectives to achieve such. These objectives are:

· To advance gender responsive implementation of the National Adaptation Plan. (SVG’s National Adaptation Plan was approved in October 2019).

· To establish adaptation plans at the sector level according to national priorities.

· To focus on sectors that have greater beneficial impact for women and girls in Agriculture, Fisheries and Tourism.

· To support representation of the needs and perspectives of the most vulnerable population in cross sectorial inclusive of Governance and National Climate Change planning.

· To build Government capacity for gender relations intersectoral access to climate finance through innovative solutions and building on the work of other partners at a national level.

Ms. Hamilton also informed the gathering that the Government is extending a multitude of resources to combat the effects of climate change.

L-R: Nyasha Hamilton, Environmental Resource Analyst, Economic Planning Unit, Hon Orando Brewster, Minister of National Mobilisation, Dr. Marium Alleyne, EnGenDER Project Manager, Seon Samuel, British High Commission Kingstown, Political & Projects Officer, Jennifer Cruickshank Howard, Chief Fisheries Officer

EnGenDER Project Manager, Dr. Marium Alleyne stressed the importance of advocating for youth and women involvement in climate resilient fisheries to allow for greater development of value chains, improved food security and increased sustainable livelihoods and access to income for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. Dr Alleyne is of the belief that the success of the project will represent a step towards a climate resilient future and a world where no one is left behind.

British High Commission Kingstown, Political & Projects Officer, Mr. Seon Samuel stated that this donation will allow Tri Tri Fishers to safely ply their trade and improve catchment quality, improve sales and contribute significantly to the economic development of SVG.

Minister of National Mobilisation, Social Development, Family, Gender Affairs, Youth, Housing and Informal Settlement, Hon Orando Brewster pointed out that tri tri farming comprises a significant portion of Vincentian culture and is mostly dominated by women, however it is often the most overlooked trade. He expressed gratitude to the implementing agencies and took the opportunity to encourage the recipients to share the knowledge gained via this modern technological boost with persons who may be interested in the field.

The ceremony concluded with Shirla Robertson and Rayanna Burke expressing their gratitude for the donation.

The EnGenDer Project seeks to further integrate gender equality and human-rights based approaches into disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change (CC) adaptation and environmental management frameworks and interventions and identify and address some of the gaps to ensure equal access to DRR and climate change and environment solutions for both men, women, boys and girls in nine Caribbean countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname).

The Project is jointly funded by the Canadian Government and the United Kingdom Government and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (Barbados) in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), United Nations Women and the World Food Programme.