Karl’s Confession! No formal plan to improve agriculture
Amid calls for more dependence on locally-grown foods, Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr Karl Dawson recently confessed that the BVI has no formal plan in place to improve the agriculture and fisheries sector.
The Minister’s confession came on the Talking Points radio show, after host Damion Grange said the Minister has been making general statements about increasing agricultural production but has not detailed a formal plan to achieve these results. “What is the plan to get there? Grange asked.
“Well…as I mentioned,” the Minister said tentatively. “In terms of the plan to get there…I’ll talk a bit about it but I’ll also speak to what you said -”
Before he could finish the statement, Grange cut the Minister off with a direct question: “Dr Dawson, do we actually have a development plan for farming and fisheries on the books?”
“No,” Minister Dawson answered. “No, I did not meet one and we have not yet developed one yet. Since I’ve been there (in the Ministry), in the last few months we have been engaged in planning sessions and that is not to produce a long-term three-year or five-year plan. That’s just to make sure we know how we’re charting the way forward for the next few years,” the Minister explained.
Minister Dawson’s confession raises serious concerns about the government’s intention to improve the agricultural sector and reduce the territory’s food imports, which health experts believe has a direct link to certain lifestyle diseases and cancers.
In the meantime, Dr Dawson said he has been focused on changing the mindset and focus of his ministry, adding that there is a major focus on regulating the agriculture and fisheries sector and less focus on improving local production. But the Minister admitted that even this has been a challenge since the BVI lacks critical data needed to inform decisions.
“Part of the engagement is just shifting the mindset in the department because there was a regulation mindset — a thought that we’re here to police or manage the sector. I’m saying we’re here to grow the sector and even though it’s vague, we’re here to increase production. Why is it vague? Because right now we have no data as far as the level of production is concerned,” Minister Dawson explained.
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They should All resign!!!!!
He needs to cross the floor and come out from among them….they don’t have a plan for ANYTHING and spending monies foolishly
Unbelievable. Imagine getting paid all that money each month to, “not to produce a long-term three-year or five-year plan.”, “just to make sure we know how we’re charting the way forward”.
THE VIP AINT GOT NO PLAN TO DO NOTHING
Blaming VIP would have made sense if the NDP had never been in government. Let’s wait till the end of VIP’s term before apportioning blame. Achieving the ambitious goal of enhancing food production requires collaboration with FAO, World bank, WHO, the pharmaceutical giants and the Food industries to contend with, as they can undermine our efforts significantly. However, existing systems and protocols often hinder agricultural initiatives aimed at promoting healthy foods. Some entities are acquiring agricultural estates in Europe to produce synthetic foods, which is posing a huge challenge to our health. The minister’s assertion that we must focus on short-term possibilities rather than long-term goals, makes sense. To avoid being labeled as conspiracy theorists, pollical leaders are becoming consciously the day holds merit.
It not the ministers! It the people we have to be willing! Agriculture is important but is the people dont want to put there energy into it, then when the ships and plane do not have food for the community. We will stave.
We as a peole want the Goverment to do everything and we reap the pension. No be wise let us trust the ALLMIGHTY who gives us strenght each day ask Jesus for it.
Let us dirty our hands, in the dirt plandt rear cattle.
Agriculture plan seems to be to get UK to allow the planting of Weed, the regular importation and supply of cocaine aided and organised by high ranking Gov Officials. Oh, that and building Greenhouses so family connections benefit but never grow anything. Dawson clearly sees no urgent need to change things. Even though we have millions of Gallons of paid for but unused water that could be supplied to any farmer showing interest. Real farmers this time not the ones that got the $40,000,000 who can’t tell a plant from a piece of machinery. We really in trouble in the VI. Nothing will change as long as the money keep flowing into the right pockets. No need to grow anything it is just about getting hands on money.
What is the consultant doing? You inked a contract in November 2023. Surely there must be a plan of some sort otherwise why would you sign up a consultant at $100K per year. If there was really a plan for him to be meaningfully involved, Hon. Dawson’s response should have referenced the consultant’s expected work and the timelines but since no mention was made, we all know what has happened in this case. Another crony contract with no meaningful results expected.
I have been acquiring data from the bars and meat shops to ascertain the value of goods and services. This is the research aspect of my contract where I must sit and survey the patrons and work-hers for value analysis and needs of their constituents.
I will have something soon. Check me in 2025.
@ The C**t sul tan
your comments ARE low
Allen has produced MUCH more in 3 months than many did in 4 years
The usual payment to cronies. The same thing the COI spoke about. You all are doing great
I hope ayo realize this government not ready yet. No plan for nothing but how to take for themselves or or get free trips. Please do the right thing next election if it even have one.
Grow and harvest your own food folks .Feed yourselves. Support others locally in the business.There is an affordsble organic surplus in the local markets.
That is the least you can do for youselves. Dependent much?
How soon we forget, lose our minds to become uncharacteristically dependent and chupiddy.
Grow and harvest your own food folks .Feed yourselves. Support others locally in the business.There is an affordsble and healthy organic surplus in the local markets and stands.
That is the least you can do for youselves. Dependent much?
How soon we forget, lose our minds to become uncharacteristically dependent and chupiddy.
I do agree though that the.Dept of Agriculture is lacking. Sadly and alarmingly this is true fior all Gov Dept from my observation and interaction.
Electricity is an exception.I.give them 5tars for effort,response and performance.
that the 13 members of the HOA have is to get re-elected every 4 years. Nothing else matters!!
I thought he was slacking yet had faith he was bussy doing something important… but I guess now it’s clear respect must be earned and the right people need to be in those positions.
Furthermore the mindset of regulation comes from the chief agriculture officer but as minister you are ultimately responsible for the department’s slack.
I can’t believe I’m saying this but it was better under Brathwraith as there was atleast cheap seedlings for farmers and free manure year round despite all the old time favoritism.
Right now parna
Hmm I don’t know the consultant but for 100k a year and no plan is like nothing has changed. For around $12000 I’d hire a second person. Split $5000. Hold about 6 meetings, 3 day trips offisland, accept invitation for farm visits to see their needs and sit down make a flipping plan or two and let an expert review/approve it over a week or two for $2000. Which is better a plan, two plans or no plan?
Farming and fishing barebones are to be stocked and given. If they beg for supplies the free seed has to be tended and if they beg for a line they have to pull the fish in!
They want to regulate as things… regulate how much manure & seeds are given out as it stands at zero. Things like fishing lines and nets should be in every house or on rent at community centers as a matter of food security.
This team is imploding because they don’t have a leader.
We should stop using this ministry as a tool to get voted in and then completely neglecting it once in power. It would also be wonderful if the budget could be geared towards actually improving the farming and fishing industries as opposed to overpaying staff members and ‘consultants’ who have no experience, background or interest in the department.
Is this the same a** that in VG running off his u**y face about how much good BVI GOVT.has in store for us farmers.Boi u should resign now.not later now people who voted for you should be ashame
I commend him for speaking truth. Too many past administrations say they have plans or are making plans because they don’t want to face the public knowing that they don’t. Dr. Dawson is being truthful to constituents and is working diligently and taking necessary (and time consuming) steps to create a plan that is informed and relevant. Yes it could have been done before and could be done faster, but it’s good to see transparency and accountability.
Why the F we vote in these set of Semen suckers…you guys are a waste…
If you all would include the experts who know about what’s there your response would have been different. You’re a failure too
These people campaigned that they were the best to lead this country.
Even before the polling day ink was dry, some person crossed the floor saying they crossed in the best interest of the country.
God bless the NDP else this and the past administration would not have anything to say they have finished. All they have done is give away Millions under the guise of stimulus. And to date no one can say more fish is being caught and sold or farming production has increased by what %. Now we hearing this.
This is what you all voted for. But don’t worry, vote us back in next election, just in time to collect your increments.
If they have a plan to supply basic reliable water to residential homes you think they have a plan for agriculture?
What a Jacka$$ I’m so sorry I voted for you…all you doing is taking orders,can’t stand up for your own right and say what you want t and need for agriculture!! You just sickening Sir!! Big Clown!!
Hon. You’re a disappointment how could you go and say this knowing that Allen’s contract commenced in December 2023 and since then he has done so much for the farmers. Anyone that is in his Farmer’s Group chat knows this and us, the Farmer’s in VG are grateful for him because he has done so much for us in 3 months than anyone else has in years. In his group chat he updates us daily as to his plans etc. and it’s a huge disappointment that you would say this knowing that he has been making you look good and that he is the lowest paid Consultant but we are seeing immediate results with him. We however, cannot say the same about the other consultants
“I commend him for speaking truth.”
Did you not notice when he was going to give a smart answer the radio host pulled him up and got a straight answer instead of the BS he was about to say as an excuse.
The Minister is a honest man. He met no plan. They are working on a plan. It takes time to get these things in place. Bring your crops to Pari on Saturday and keep planting and selling. When the plan comes, we fall in place.
I always knew that Dr. Dawson was too Good for Politricks. I bet He can’t wait for his Term to end to hit the Road. Don’t blame him. Most of the people who remain in Politics are who have their personal Agendas. Not All…This is a Good time for a Vote of No Confidence and I am praying hard for Dr. Dawson to see the Light.