Dawson bemoans BVI’s data-gathering deficiency
Junior Minister for Agriculture, Dr Karl Dawson, has lamented the state of the BVI’s data-gathering capacity, arguing that it is detrimental to the BVI’s efforts in charting the way forward.
Dr Dawson pointed out recently that CARICOM – a regional body in which the BVI is an Associate Member – has set a goal for reducing agro-imports to the region by 25 percent by the year 2025.
However, the Junior Minister expressed that the BVI’s ability to significantly increase its capacity in agricultural production hinges greatly on its chances of having a more sustainable water supply.
When pressed by a member of the media about a possible timeline for the BVI to able to practically achieve that goal and also to give a quantifiable estimate about the expected increase in produce, Dr Dawson pointed to the dearth in data collection in the territory.
“Sadly, I cannot give an answer, because that is one of our weaknesses as far as the territory is concerned — data,” Dr Dawson said.
He added: “That’s one of the things we want to strengthen in the [Agriculture] Department, because if you’re gonna have goals and things that we are aspiring to, we must know where we are and must know when we’ve arrived to where we are seeking to go.”
Dr Dawson expressed, however, that based on the projects that are currently underway and looking at plans that are being made for additional projects, he could say that, anecdotally, there will definitely be a reduction in imports.
Dr Dawson said this is particularly the case for vegetables such lettuce, broccoli, cabbage and other similar items, arguing that persons have demonstrated an interest in moving forward with farming those items.
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Plenty of data there already, it’s just not publicly accessible.
Realistically agriculture in tola is in my opinion an extra burden on consumers. When one mart can offer a pound of cabbage for 50 cents who in their right mind would want to or can afford to buy one dollar per pound locally. Yes you might be getting a healthier product but the majority of the people want affordability. Are we going to stop Mark from importing cabbage. If we are not going to stop him then stop the farmers from planting. Which restaurant you know that will be willing to buy cabbage 4 times the amount in order to buy local. If my grand father selling water for 1 dollar and my neighbor selling for 50 cents. Guess where I am going.
Data gathering means keeping records. We all know the politian’s are against this.
Lack of data is the reason for lack of water? ROFL
definitely a deficiency and it’s definitely detrimental. It aint anything to do with data though, dude.
Do you agree with the manner in which we celebrate our emancipation along the parade route?