Farmers still waiting as agriculture projects remain in planning
Farmers in the Virgin Islands are still waiting for meaningful support as several government agricultural initiatives remain in the planning stage.
Territorial At-Large Representative Stacy Mather made the claim in the House of Assembly as he complained about the lack of progress on projects that were promised to boost food production and support farmers and fishers across the territory.
During the sitting, Mather asked Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley to provide an update on the initiatives listed under the government’s agriculture support programme. He specifically requested information on how many of those projects had been fully implemented, and what was causing the delays.
In response, Dr Wheatley said that the Department of Agriculture had a number of initiatives in “various stages of progression”. He presented a table outlining the current status of each project and explained that most of them were still in the early phases, such as policy drafting, consultation, or design.
Some of the projects included distributing land for farming on Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke, fencing and providing road access for agricultural plots in Anegada, designating official fish landing sites, developing a farmer training programme, and establishing a policy for shade houses and hydroponic operations.
According to the Premier, delays have largely been due to the information gathering and development stages of each initiative. “As one stage is completed, another stage will begin until initiatives are fully implemented,” Dr Wheatley explained.
In a follow-up question, Mather asked if any funds had been allocated in the 2024 or 2025 budget for projects such as the fencing and distribution of agricultural lots. Dr Wheatley confirmed that $240,300 had been set aside for work on 45 acres of land in Anegada, which is expected to be subdivided into 55 plots. The allocation also includes funding for fencing materials, freight, transportation, and agency fees.
Despite these commitments, Mather expressed concern that the initiatives remain on paper while farmers continue to wait. He noted that much of the work is still in the planning phase, and said he would continue to monitor the issue to ensure farmers eventually receive the promised support.
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DAWSON AND THE PREMIER ABSENT OR GONE SILENT?
He is no longer Junior Agricultural Minister. Currently that post does not exist. Many years ago the dept of agriculture was the driving force for developing the sector. Now they appear to be in the backseat.
When we first arrived in the BVI in the mid-seventies, Anegada was considered to be an agricultural gem. Apparently there is/was an aquifer under the island that had provided enough water for the island to grow sufficient vegetables to keep the island of St Thomas supplied with fresh produce during WWII. In those days, USVI was a major naval installation (think”SubBase”) and shipping from the States proper was threatened by u-boats even in this area.
I have heard no reference to this very big aquifer that used to
exist in the rock beneath Anegada for many years. Has it been exhausted over the years? Or is there some part of it still hiding in the odd-ball geological formation that supports Anegada?
Now he is the Deputy Speaker of the House he lost interest in his once held portfolio.
What about the highly paid and most active (around the watering holes) CONSULTANT?!?!? Is Mr. Man not reporting on the vast array of improvements and investments in Agriculture and Fishing?
More pork barrel waste and a whole lot of nothing to show for it. Another page to grift, hustle and deceive the public (COSC anyone) from the players handbook. Well done Mr. Premier!
You better be growing a pointless concert on your land if you want the premier attention.