AGRIC INFO/ EDITION 2 2023 by MinistryofAgricultureCITU

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CONTENTS

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Fisherfolk set to Benefit from Agreement signed between the Japanese Government and SVG Government

Distribution under EnGenDER continues with TriTri Fishers

Ensuring Inclusivity through Gender Responsiveness Workshop

The Farm Labour Programme Proves Quite Favorable to Farmers

Urea Distribution continues in Full Swing!

Forestry say

Embracing Technology in Agriculture!

The Banana

SVG Beekeepers consider Prospects for Beekeeping Development and Honey Production

Farm Skills Programme: Launched

Enhancing F Project in Fu

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FAO hosts successful Concept Note Discussion

Forestry Department Joins the 2023 Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival Celebrations

Ministry of Agriculture celebrates World Bee Day 2023

3 Days of Activities to Celebrate Fisherman’s Day 2023

The 46th Annual Fisherman’s Day Celebrated

Fisherman’s Day Prize Giving Ceremony

Young Brothers Granted Lease Lands for Farming

IICA host another successful Annual Accountability Seminar

Environmental Stakeholders participate in a Conservation Finance Workshop

Environmental Stakeholders Introduced to New Surveying Methods in Fauna and Flora Workshop

SVG Food Insecurity Project launched with Several Consultation Meetings across the Country

ys Farewell to Retirees

a Revitalization Project Comes to a Conclusion

Food Security through Home Gardening ull Session

Edition 2 - 2023 April - June AgricInfo Ed 2 2023

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ED N N IG VER S T GO N ME SVG E RE ND G A TA M N O E R F NM T I F VER E EN GO B O ESE T ET PAN S LK E JA O RF N TH E H E FIS TWE BE

Signing of Contracts

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L-R: Hon Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour, Jennifer Cruickshank Howard, Chief Fisheries Officer, Nerissa Gittens McMillian, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & His Excellency, Matsubara Yutaka of Japan , Ambassador of Japan to SVG and delegate The Japanese Government has long maintained a valuable partnership with the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and on Friday May 2nd 2023, this relationship was extended. Minister of Agriculture, Hon Saboto Caesar and his excellency Matsubara Yutaka of Japan signed an agreement on the Economic and Social Development Programme to aid Fisheries development in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This milestone was convened at the Fisheries Conference Room. As a testament to the shared appreciation for the significance of Oceans and the sustainable use of living marine resources, the Japanese Government provided a grant for fisheries equipment valued at approximately $2.3 million dollars. Fisherfolk are anticipated to benefit from this donation to build their efficiency and sustainability as a crucial economic sector. During her opening remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nerissa Gittens McMillian expressed profound appreciation to the Japanese Government and promised that their investment would not be wasted. Ambassador of Japan to SVG, His Excellency Matsubara Yutaka of Japan stated that this initiative is an extension of other cooperative programs implemented in SVG as it relates to health care, technical capacity building as well as sargassum (seaweed) management. His Excellency further indicated that Japan has slated 2024 as their ‘Japan CARICOM Friendship Year’ where they will seek to provide assistance to all CARICOM states. Minister of Agriculture, Hon Saboto Caesar said, “The government and people of Japan for many years have created the enabling environment for us to support the improvement of the fisheries infrastructure in SVG.” The Minister was of the belief that the initiative will bring cutting edge technology to the Fisheries Sector enabling fully equipped fisheries facilities to meet international standards. Minister Caesar further stated that the ultimate goal is to establish SVG as, not only a major transshipment point for fish harnessed on the high seas by foreign flagged vessels, but also to develop an indigenous fleet flagged by SVG operating within the legal framework set by international law.

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Distribution under EnGenDER Project continues with TriTri Fishers Fisheries Division along with representatives from United Nation Development Program (UNDP) ventured to the Windward side of the island on Thursday, 13th April 2023 to continue the donation process under the EnGenDer Project. They met with TriTri Fishers in Arnos Vale, Peruvian Vale, Colonaire and Mt. Young. Tri Tri Fishers received equipment which consisted of freezers, raincoats, buckets, aprons, submersible lights and water boots. The EnGenDer Project seeks to further integrate gender equality and human-rights based approaches into Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), climate change 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 (UNDP) in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), United Nations Women and the World Food Programme.

Distribution

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Ensuring Inclusivity through Gender Responsiveness Workshop A Gender Responsiveness Workshop was convened at the Basic Needs Trust Fund Conference Room on Tuesday April 18, 2023. This workshop forms part of two (2) ongoing projects, The Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Conserving Biodiversity and Reducing Land Degradation Using a Ridge to Reef Approach and The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Water, Land and Ecosystems Management in Caribbean Small Island Developing States. The Workshop was chaired by Makini Barrow, Project Coordinator and facilitated by Camilla Landini, Gender Specialist. The main objective of the workshop was to understand gender data, which would allow for greater equity (fairness and justice) in the distribution of opportunities along various value chains within the parameters of the project. According to Ms. Barrow, the project sought to conserve biodiversity and reduce land degradation using a Ridge to Reef Approach. Integral to this process is integrating water, land and ecosystems management. The targets of the project are Caribbean Small Island Developing States. Ms. Barrow affirmed that the notion of gender equality underpins the execution of every component of the project, hence the meeting’s title, Gender Responsiveness Workshop. Camilla Landini emphasized the importance for stakeholders to understand the need for gender transformative programming, which entails the recommended methodologies to foster inclusiveness of girls and women in all the processes of the project. Ms. Landini concluded with recommendations for updating the Regional Gender Action Plan, advising that stakeholders to always consider the specific Vincentian component.

Camilla Landini, Gender Specialist

Makini Barrow, Project Coordinator for UNDP & UNEP Projects AgricInfo Ed 2 2023

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Farmers in SVG have reaped major benefits from the recently established Farm Labour Assistance Programme, which offers farmers land-clearing services. The initiative is a compelling cost-effective option that has enabled farmers to increase their yield and employ extra farm workers to handle other farm duties.

On Thursday 20th April 2023, Agricultural Officer, Mr. Donawa Jackson, and Agricultural Extension Officer, Mr. Alston Lynch journeyed to Agricultural Region Two - District 5East (Montreal, McMillan, Francois, Bahamia) to conduct an assessment of land clearing activities under the programme. According to Agricultural Officer, Mr. Donawa Jackson, The assessment was focused on ascertaining the progress of land clearing efforts using motorized trimming, cutlassing and herbicide/weedicide applications)

The programme which was launched on December 16th ,2022 by Minister of Agriculture, Hon Saboto Caesar at Mr. Kenroy Bacchuss’ Farm located at Bahamia. Agricultural Region Two was earmarked the first pilot phase of the programme. Workers performing the land clearing exercises were drawn from the Research and Development Unit and supervised by the District’s Agricultural Extension Officer.

L - R: Renold Williams, Beneficiary Farmer, Donowa Jackson, Region 2 Supervisor in the Extension and Advisory Services, Carl Scott, Beneficiary Farmer, beneficiary Farmer & Alston Lynch, Agricultural Extension Officer,

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L - R: Alston Lynch, Agricultural Extension Officer, Erton Gurley, Beneficiary Farmer, Donowa Jackson, Region 2 Supervisor in the Extension and Advisory Services

Land clearing activity

L - R: Donowa Jackson, Region 2 Supervisor in the Extension and Advisory Services, Claudius Bailey, Beneficiary Farmer, Alston Lynch, Agricultural Extension Officer,

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Urea Distribution continues in Full Swing! The Ministry of Agriculture commenced phase two of the distribution of Urea fertilizer on Thursday 20th April 2023 at the La Croix Palletization Centre. This Urea was donated by the Venezuelan Government. Minister of Agriculture, Hon Saboto Caesar commended farmers on their hard work, dedication and steadfastness which is reflected in their increased farm yield. He explained that dasheen output has expanded significantly in response to growing demand from the United States of America. The Minister urged farmers to adhere to the “Do’s and Don’ts of Urea Application to maximize success.

Distribution of Urea Fertilizer

Hon Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture and Chief Agricultural Officer, Renato Gumbs along with farmers in Region 2

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Embracing Technology in Agriculture! On Wednesday, 26th April 2023, The Extension and Advisory Services in the Ministry of Agriculture held a demonstration on land preparation using different methods of digging holes. The activity was conducted on Mr. Wilfred Patrick’s farm located at Montreal and facilitated by region 2 Supervisor, Donawa Jackson, Extension Officers Shamika Grant, Alston Lynch and other support staff. Thirty-three (33) farmers from District 5East and 5West were in attendance. According to Mr. Donawa Jackson, the objectives of the method demonstration were to introduce, test and evaluate the use of the motorized hole digger to mechanically dig dasheen holes.This acitivity also sought to set up a result demonstration plot to compare corm sizes and weights, against corms harvested from holes dug with the traditional use of fork and scoop. Mr Jackson indicated that the preliminary tests and evaluation findings revealed that the motorized hole digger, though strenuous in its use is moderately more efficient than the fork or scope. However, the motorized hole digger once fitted with broader discs can be twice as efficient than the fork or scope. The motorized hole digger’s testing with varied disc sizes will continue on various slopes and soil types. He affirmed that the motorized hole digger has the potential to minimize labor costs for dasheen hole preparation, boost competitiveness locally, regionally, and worldwide, and entice young people into farming.

Shamika Grant, Extension Officer, Donowa Jackson, Region 2 Supervisory Extension Officer and other support staff

L - R: Shovel, Pitchfork, Auger

Demonstration AgricInfo Ed 2 2023

SVG Beekeepers consider Prospects for Beekeeping Development and Honey Production Thirty (30) beekeepers in SVG benefited from a Bee Hive Management Training Workshop on Wednesday 26th April 2023 which took place at the Agricultural Technical Institute, Orange Hill. This workshop was facilitated by Beekeeping Extension Officer, Allan Williams. The activity forms part of the Hive management project funded by the Global Environmental Fund (GEF) Small Grants Programme.

According to Mr. Williams, the workshop was aimed at promoting prospects for beekeeping development and honey production in SVG. He further stated that the Beekeeping Association is committed to growing as a collective and saw the need to establish a Hive Expansion Programme. Mr. Williams reported that the association suffered the loss of a significant amount of hives after the La Soufriere Volcano Eruption,

however, they remain optimistic about the potential for profitability in beekeeping as a business. He took the opportunity to encourage persons to get involved in the beekeeping industry as it is a lucrative business with a large local and international market. President of the SVG Beekeeper’s Association, Beverly Redock expressed her delight in seeing the increase in membership and the growing interest of young people in beekeeping. She revealed that the goal of the Association is to produce 2100 gallons of honey for the next couple of years and stressed the importance of meeting local and international standards.

Allan Williams, Beekeeping Extension Officer

Beverly Reddock, President of the Local Beekeeper’s Association

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Farm Skills Programme: Launched

Hon Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture

Hon Orando Brewster, Minister of National Mobilization

Mr Renato Gumbs, Chief Agricultural Officer

The Farm Skills Internship (FSI) Programme (Livelihood Enhancement Programme) was launched on Tuesday 2nd May, 2023 at the Orange Hill Agricultural Station. This programme is implemented by the Ministry of National Mobilization Social development & Youth SVG. The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Transformation, Forestry & Fisheries will provide competent technical support throughout the programme to 171 participants. The topics to be covered are crop farming, seedling productions, land preparation, crop establishment, basic agro-processing, use of improved and modern technologies, establishment of greenhouses using small machineries, livestock management, bio fertilizer production and hydroponics. As Minister of Agriculture, Hon Saboto Caesar addressed the participants, he said “We want you to leave this program not just with the skills, but to leave the program with a business that can sustain you and your family”. The Minister pledged the Ministry of Agriculture’s support of the program and encouraged the gathering to learn as much as possible. Minister of National Mobilization, Social Development, Family, Gender Affairs, Youth, Housing and informal Human Settlement, Hon Orando Brewster was pleased that the participants recognized the significance of the programme to their lives and family. He emphasized the need to form cooperatives since there is power and financial advantage in unity. While Chief Agricultural Officer, Mr. Renato Gumbs urged persons to engage in idea creation as an idea could be the 1st step towards a multi-million dollar company. Mr. Gumbs concluded by dropping a few words of wisdom, “There are two forms of yourself, the one you are now and the one where you ought to be. Get to the other level.” The Farm Skills Internship programme is funded by the World Bank through the Volcanic Eruption Emergency Project (VEEP).

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Forestry says Farewell to Retirees The Forestry Department bid farewell to four retirees on Thursday, May 4th, 2023 with a ceremony at the Calliaqua Town Hall. The four retirees: Mr. Cornelius Richards, Mr. Phillip Robert, Mr. Elroy Williams and Mr. Claudius Lavia served at the department for 33 years, 30 years, 19 years and 11 years respectively.

L-R: Mr. Cornelius Richards, Mr. Phillip Robert, Mr. Elroy Williams and Mr. Claudius Lavia

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The Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan, Taiwan Technical Mission partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Transformation, Forestry & Fisheries - SVG Banana Services Unit to donate $550,000 EC worth of fertilizers, three different types of fungicides and spraying oils as part of the Banana Revitalization Closing Ceremony on Friday May 5th, 2023. This initiative will support banana farmers and the agriculture sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Minister of Agriculture, Hon Saboto Caesar expressed gratitude to the Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan for their continued assistance in the agricultural sector as it has assisted in sustaining production and productivity to ensure food security and food sovereignty in the country. Taiwanese Ambassador to SVG, His Excellency Peter Sha-Li Lan assured the gathering that assistance will always be available to ensure that banana farmers continue to produce first-class bananas. According to Chief Agricultural Officer, Mr. Renato Gumbs, farmers must become more efficient producers in order to safeguard the industry and fulfill local and regional demand given the market’s lack of compassion. Mr. Gumbs advised farmers to take a more scientific approach to agriculture in order to boost productivity.

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L - R: His Excellency Peter Sha-Li Lan, Taiwanese Ambassador to SVG, Hon Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, Renato Gumbs, Chief Agricultural Officer

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Enhancing Food Security through Home Gardening Project in Full Session The Rural Transformation Unit within the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Association of the Evangelical Churches of St. Vincent and the Grenadines held a training workshop for the newly launched “Enhancing Household Food and Nutrition Security through Home Gardening” Project. The workshop was held on Tuesday 9th May 2023 and focused on Fertilizer application and Pest management for vegetable production. This activity was held at the Fisheries Conference room.

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According to Rural Transformation Officer, Avril WalkerRoberts, seventy-five (75) participants were selected for the project and grouped into clusters based on location: North Leeward, Bequia, Layou, Kingstown, Fountain, Stubbs, Avril Walker-Roberts, Rural Biabou, and North Union. She stated Transformation Officer that the participants will be evaluated based on record keeping, pest and disease management, fertilizer application, garden sustainability, and cleanliness. Agricultural Extension Officer, Mrs. Catherine Bonadie-John offered technical support to the participants.

Ms. Catherine Bonadie-John, Agricultural Extension Officer

FAO hosts Successful Concept Note Discussion The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) hosted a 2-day concept note development session in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The activity commenced on Wednesday 10th May 2023 at the Methodist Church Hall. The objective of the session was to refine the key constituent elements of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Project Concept Note for SVG through a multi-stakeholder dialogue and feedback integration. Representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Central Water Sewerage Authority (CWSA), Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry Department, Animal Health and Production division, Fisheries Division, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Fisheries Division and Richmond Vale Academy engaged in a fruitful discussion centered on refining the concept note sections of the project document to allow for effective implementation. The facilitators of the session were representatives from the FAO and the Alliance of Biodiversity International & the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT).

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FORESTRY DEPARTMENT JOINS THE 2023 CARIBBEAN ENDEMIC BIRD FESTIVAL CELEBRATION The Forestry Department ventured to the Rose Hall Government School and the Troumaca Ontario Secondary School to host mini exhibitions and presentations on bird species in SVG on Thursday 11th May 2023. This activity was one of the activities geared towards sensitising students on the different bird species central to SVG and other activities associated with birding. All of these activities were done in celebration of the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) sponsored by Birds Caribbean Small Grants which commenced on April 22nd 2023 under the theme is “Water: Sustaining Birdlife”. The activity was facilitated by the educational and wildlife units in the Forestry department. Students were given an opportunity to observe the exhibits which consisted of a wide array of educational content on bird species.

Question & Answer Se

Glenroy Gayme Department co AgricInfo Ed 2 2023

egment with Casmus Mccleod, Forestry Supervisor

es, Bird Specialist, Forestry onducting presentation AgricInfo Ed 2 2023

L - R: Donowa Jackson, Region 2 Supervisor, Extension and Advisory Services, Allan Williams, Beekeeping Extension Officer, Beverly Reddock, President of the Beekeepers Association

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MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE CELEBRATES WORLD BEE DAY 2023 The Extension and Advisory Services in the Ministry of Agriculture joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Bee Day 2023 under the theme “Engaging in Pollinator-Friendly Agricultural Production”. In commemoration of the day, a three (3) day exhibition took place from Friday,19th – Sunday, 21st May 2023 at the La Croix Palletization Centre. The exhibition featured a bee maze which provided a wide range of information on honey bees and the enhanced awareness of bees as a component of Biodiversity. The exhibition was opened to the public for the period.

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3 Days of Activities to Celebrate Fisherman’s Day 2023 Thursday 25th May 2023 – Students from the Kingstown Anglican School received a presentation on the different career opportunities in the Fisheries Sector at the Fisheries Conference room. The presentation was conducted by Julian Bradshaw, a fisherman with over forty-five (45) years of experience. The students were also able to take in an intriguing fish filleting competition amongst fish vendors in the Kingstown Fish market. These activities were held as part of the Fisherman’s Day 2023 celebrations. A prize giving ceremony was also held for the fish vendors of the Kingstown Fish market on Friday 26th May 2023. Awards were given for: Longest Serving Vendor - Rodger Bailey Longest Serving Fisherman - Raphael Hooper Longest Serving Worker - Suzette Dennie Winners of the Fish Fillet Competition 1st place - Marley Andrews 2nd Place - Lenroy Gabriel 3rd Place Aileen Gabriel 4th Place - Monique Morris

Julian Bradshaw, Fisherman, speaking with children about careers in fishing

Raphael Hooper, Longest Serving Fisherman and Winsbert Harry, President of the National Fisherfolk Organization

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Marley Andrews, Winner of the Fish Fillet Competition receiving prize from the Chief Fisheries Officer, Jennifer Cruickshank-Howard

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Hon. Finan

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Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of nce and Economic Planning

Hon Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of SVG

Hon Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture

THE 46TH ANNUAL FISHERMAN’S DAY CELEBRATED This year marked the 46th anniversary of Fisherman’s Day celebrations in St Vincent and the Grenadines. This year’s activity, held at the Calliaqua Playing Field on Monday May 29th, 2023 (Whit Monday) was recognized, as the fishing industry continues to make indelible contributions to food security, livelihoods and household income in SVG. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Our livelihood, our industry, let us protect it through the blue economy” with the slogan “Make our future bright, fish right”. The celebration began with a fishing competition where fisherfolk across the country came together to vie for the “Fisherman of the year” title. Remarks were made by the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Saboto Caesar and Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Hon. Camillo Gonsalves. The Feature address was delivered by Prime Minister of SVG, Hon. Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves. AgricInfo Ed 2 2023

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Following a successful Fisherman’s Day 2023, a Prize Giving Ceremony was held at the Fisheries Conference Room on Tuesday, May 30th 2023, where fisherfolk who participated and contributed significantly to the day’s activities were awarded.

During the opening ceremony, Chief Fisheries Officer, Jennifer Cruickshank Howard commended the winners and thanked them for their contributions to the success of Fisherman’s Day 2023. She also thanked the Fisherman’s Day Committee and all of the event’s sponsors.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour, Hon Saboto Caesar boasted that SVG has arguably the largest platform for the processing of fish anywhere in the OECS and observed a considerable rise in the SVG’s Fisheries Industry. While the Minister is overjoyed with these accomplishments, he emphasized the need of keeping sustainability at the forefront since a duty of care is owed to future generations to secure food security. Minister Caesar stated that noncompliance with marine sustainability legislation could have a substantial detrimental impact not just on fishermen’s livelihoods but also on the tourism industry and SVG’s marine ecosystems. Therefore, the Government of SVG has started several conversations to ensure that sustainability is maintained given the exponential growth in the Fisheries sector. The Minister closed by expressing gratitude to all participants and sponsors. Fisherman of the Year was Devyeon Muckette of Clare Valley. Mr. Muckette won 1st place for Heaviest Single Fish and Heaviest Catch. He received a 75 HP Yamaha Boat Engine donated by Rainforest Seafood SVG.

L - R: Stephen Seymour, Country Manager, Rainforest Seafood, Devyeon Muckette, Fisherman of the year, Hon Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture

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Devyeon Muckette, Fisherman receiving prize

Jennifer Cruickshank Howard, Chief Fisheries Officer

Hon Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour

Other Fisherfolk received prizes in various segments:

Eustace Bruce, Clare Valley

Shorn Bradshaw, Richmond Hill

Ruben Bradshaw, Dorsetshire Hill

Allan Brooker, Indian Bay

Calvert Thomas, Dorsetshire Hill

Richard and Julian Bradshaw

Devyeon Muckette, Clare Valley

Julian Bradshaw, Dorsetshire Hill AgricInfo Ed 2 2023

Young Brothers Granted Lease Lands for Farming On Monday June 6th 2023, landowner in Gaskill, Montreal, Mr. Xavier Matthias, granted a lease to two young brothers Kelique and Dari Peters to commence farming on a plot of land amounting to 6.875 acres. Mr. Matthias indicated that he would provide full support and guidance to the two young brothers. Kelique Peters, one of the recipients, said that this would be a very good opportunity for him and that he would encourage other young people to work along with him as it could be an excellent opportunity for employment. Region 2 Supervisor in the Extension and Advisory Services, Mr. Donowa Jackson stated that, the Ministry of Agriculture along with the Extension Services will provide the necessary support and guidance to the brothers, so that they can become more productive going forward in their agricultural pursuit. Mr. Jackson thanked Mr. Matthias for reaching out and making the lands available. He hopes that other landowners in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines see the benefits of making lands available so that the people interested can engage in agricultural production. Head of Extension and Advisory Services Mr. Marcus Richards also promised full technical support from the Extension Services.

L - R: Mr Marcus Richards, Head of the Extension and Advisory Services, Mr. Xavier Matthias, Farmer and Owner of lands in Gaskil & Mr. Donowa Jackson, Region 2 Supervisor in the Extension and Advisory Services

L - R: Mr. Donowa Jackson, Region 2 Supervisor in the Extension and Advisory Services, Mr. Kelique Peters, Farmer, Mr. Dari Peters, Farmer, Mr. Xavier Matthias, Farmer and Owner of lands in Gaskil AgricInfo Ed 2 2023

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UL SS) F S (A S CE NAR C U MI S R SE E On Monday, June 12th 2023, TH LITY O the Inter-American Institute for N BI A Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) held its T NTA S Annual Accountability Seminar (AAS) at the O OU H Frenches House Conference Room. The seminar C A C C was facilitated by IICA’s Technical Specialist, Mr. II L A Michael Dalton. The AAS allows IICA to present stakeholders A U with an update on its activities in support of agricultural and N N rural development in the country. It is a critical component of the A international accountability culture to national authorities, stakeholder organizations, groups and individuals.

Presentation by Michael Dalton, IICA’s Technical Specialist

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Mrs Nerissa Gittens-McMillian, Permanent Secretary, MOA

Mr. Gregg Rawlins, IICA’s Representative in the Eastern Caribbean States

Hon Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour, Mrs. Nerissa Gittens-McMillian regarded the meeting as a celebration of the successful partnership maintained with IICA over the years. Recognizing the remarkable quality and quantity of IICA’s work, the permanent secretary thanked the institute for their support during the agricultural sector’s most challenging periods. According to IICA’s Representative in the Eastern Caribbean States, Mr. Gregg Rawlins, IICA has embraced accountability as one of its core values in seeking to strengthen the positioning of the Institute. As a result, the accountability process is a critical component of the Institute’s integrated management system. He added that the accountability seminar serves three (3) primary functions: • It allows IICA to report on the achievements over the last year and plans for the future. • It provides an opportunity for stakeholders to be fully sensitized to all activities and programs of work, which allows for the exploration of possible collaboration with other entities. • It creates a forum for stakeholders to share their views and feedback on the work completed. Acknowledging the adverse effects of several world and local events that have significantly impacted SVG’s agrifood systems, Mr. Rawlins emphasized the need to take measures and procedures to ensure food security during times of significant global dislocation. In light of this “The decision of CARICOM Heads to establish a target to reduce the region’s food import bill by 25% by 2025 is an important and positive step in seeking to achieve greater food self-reliance which IICA fully supports” Mr. Rawlins said. He also recognized the leadership role that SVG has assumed in its capacity as pro-temporary chair of the community of Latin America and Caribbean states (CELAC) and pledged IICA’s unwavering support to the Government of SVG as it advances the CELAC agenda for food and nutrition security. He thanked all partners inclusive of the Ministry of Agriculture, CARDI and the FAO for joining the quest to support the development of SVG’s agricultural sector. Mr. Rawlins reaffirmed IICA’s commitment to working with all agricultural and rural stakeholders to promote sustainable agricultural development, food security, and rural prosperity in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour, Hon Saboto Caesar acknowledged the efforts of IICA as the institution has played an outstanding role in the progress of the agricultural sector and hoped for their ongoing support. Various beneficiaries were in attendance and were given the opportunity to express their gratitude and share how IICA’s initiatives have impacted their lives and livelihoods. AgricInfo Ed 2 2023

Environmental Stakeholders participate in a Conservation Finance Workshop A Conservation Finance workshop was held from the Tuesday 13th – Wednesday, 14th June 2023 under the GEF – UNDP Conserving Biodiversity and Reducing Land Degradation using a Ridge to Reef Approach Project. This workshop aimed to improve knowledge on protected area management effectiveness and funding needs and improve protected area funding.

Benjamin Landreau, Conservation Finance Consultant

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Environmental Stakeholders Introduced to New Surveying Methods in Fauna and Flora Workshop A 5-day Flora-Fauna workshop commenced on Tuesday 20th June 2023 at the Fisheries Conference Room under the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Conserving Biodiversity and Reducing Land Degradation using a Ridge to Reef Approach and The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Water, Land and Ecosystems Management in Caribbean Small Island Developing State projects. Several theoretical and practical sessions took place over the stipulated period. The workshop facilitators were Fauna Biodiversity Specialist, Phoebe Mottram and Flora Biodiversity Specialist, Jerome Gaugris. This 1st session sought to provide training on mammals and birder’s survey techniques and analytical methods.

Phoebe Mottram, Fauna Biodiversity Specialist

Jerome Gaugris, Flora Biodiversity Specialist

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SVG FOOD INSECURITY PROJECT LAUNCHED WITH CONSULTATION MEETINGS ACROSS THE COUNTRY Community consultation sessions were held across SVG as part of phase one (1) of the World Bank-funded SVG Food Insecurity Project 2023. The community consultation meetings were conducted in fifteen (15) communities in the Leeward, Windward, and Central areas of mainland St. Vincent, as well as in the Northern and Southern Grenadines, from June 21 - 28, 2023. These meetings sought to sensitise stakeholders on the project’s opportunities and benefits, encourage stakeholder feedback and illustrate the application and recipient selection procedures.

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