Dawson should have kept Junior Agriculture Minister post — Walwyn

Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn has taken aim at the government’s handling of the agriculture portfolio, saying First District representative Dr. Karl Dawson should have remained the junior minister for the subject, as he represents communities that participate in the sector.

Speaking recently in the House of Assembly, Walwyn referenced Dr. Dawson’s time as Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, recalling Dawson’s frank admission on a public talk show that the government lacked a plan for agriculture at that time. The admission caused some uproar publicly, and shortly after that admission, the government announced that it was close to finalising its agriculture strategy.

However, Dawson was subsequently asked to step down from the agriculture portfolio to make way for Lorna Smith to assume responsibilities in government.

Walwyn argued the move has weakened the First District’s representation in an area where agriculture and fishing are central to the local economy.

“Any how I was from West End, he couldn’t come back down there, you know. He’d have to go back to Cane Garden Bay, where he’s from originally. He’d have to go back there. He couldn’t pass! He couldn’t pass because if you’re looking for a district that has agriculture and fishing, it’s District One,” Walwyn said.

He added: “District One has been accustomed to having representation at a particular level, and they always had a minister, and then they got the Premier, so they’re expectations are high. And you gave away that job, you couldn’t come West End.”

Premier Wheatley has publicly commended Dawson for his service and sacrifice, saying the former junior agriculture minister put “country first” and will continue to support government work in other roles, including as a parliamentary focal point on agriculture and fisheries.

In the meantime, Opposition members and several sections of the public continue to call for increased attention in agriculture, with many asking for significant financial allocations toward infrastructure, water supply and support for farmers and fishers.