US tariffs may force BVI to invest in agriculture
First District Representative Dr Karl Dawson has stated that the global tariffs imposed by the United States may force the territory to start making serious investments in the agricultural sector.
Dr Dawson, currently serving as parliamentary support for Agriculture and Fisheries, said successive governments have failed to make valuable investments in agriculture but may have to change that approach since the US tariffs pose a serious threat to food security.
“It has been a challenge for some time to get this government and others to commit more funds to agriculture and fisheries and this (tariffs issue) may actually force us to do that because we are realizing just how important this is. There are things we’re planning to do for agriculture and fisheries in the medium term but now there are things we might have to do immediately as a stimulus,” Dr Dawson explained.
He continued: “For example, one of the big imports for livestock farmers is feed so we may have to see how we can support farmers who raise chickens, goats, sheep and pigs, in terms of feed to help increase their production. The fishers also need wires for their pots and other things.”
Dr. Dawson said the government recently held a meeting to discuss the impending tariffs where local stakeholders confirmed that the BVI needs to produce more local foods to mitigate the impacts of the tariffs.
And while the Natalio Wheatley administration has been planning to meet with the Dominican Republic to discuss trade relations, Dr. Dawson said the threat of the tariffs is speeding up those negotiations.
“Dominican Republic officials are anxious to work with us to bring various products into the territory. We have a history of more persons moving back and forth between both countries, we have logistics as far as shipping – there’s activity now but we see that area being enhanced. So we may need to avoid Miami because things coming from the US may attract tariffs,” Dr. Dawson said.
Successive BVI administrations have had a tumultuous relationship with agriculture and fisheries. Despite several promises to make meaningful investments in these areas, nothing fruitful has been delivered in decades.
Currently, the territory is still awaiting the promised comprehensive plan for agriculture and fisheries amid growing concerns that imported, processed foods may be contributing to lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and non-communicable diseases such as cancers.
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Hear this joker! So what was he doing all the time before the tariffs? This level of incompetence is extremely disturbing.
Too many politicians dressed in expensive suits in BVI talking about agriculture, unlike their fathers and grandfathers who understood the soil and put food on the table.
this will happen in the BVI. Farmers and fishers can source all their needs for foreign products from other sources than the USA.
Sir, do you realize how stupid and incompetent you sound? To late will be the BVI’S cry.
Listen to this idiot why should tariffs force this? This should be a part of our development plan … just remember we don’t have one … !
yea if we start planting greens and ground provisions today we will have produce tomorrow.
Nothing the BVI wants to import into the BVI will have a tariff, only exports from BVI to USA, which amount to nothing.
The US tariffs don’t affect us as we are IMPORTERS from the US; our tariffs, duty, make products more expensive here.
US farmers are going to be looking for places to export to where their products have low or no import tariffs.
For once, we are in the driver’s seat. However, our Government needs to be proactive and contact all of the grower’s associations and let them know we want their products!!
And to say this young man was in charge of agriculture, no clue. what are the BVI citizens rich oil shrieks? That we had and never think serious in dirtying our hands growing things, so I see the VIP don’t really take agriculture seriously. It’s just a office created to fleece the money of the tax payers money. The people believe they are with UK and a first world country as we always saying, while calling the other Caribbean islands down island people or third world country. We speak as though we are white men call out Caribbean people third world country.
Now this….Well me boi… check the history of the virgin Islands . we always grow food. Tariffs has nothing to do with this. wheel and don’t come back again.
It’s hard to believe these are the people that’s so suppose to lead. Hear the words from this lu**tic of a leader Wow wow wow
Thank you to the posters who pointed out that US tariffs have NOTHING TO DO with goods EXPORTED from the US, including those to the BVI. Again, as others have said, it may even make the BVI a more attractive market for US exports.
“Doctor” Dawson is a complete i**ot if he doesn’t realize this. SMH
Well me boi…Dawson when I se you and smile at you, know that it is because I think you are and absolute jack do**ey! What a waste!
First District Representative Dr Karl Dawson has stated that the global tariffs imposed by the United States may force the territory to start making serious investments in the agricultural sector. YOU CANT MAKE THIS SH!1 UP
Some one or world events have to force tou to see that your country is food secure
What incompetence is this Really!
Go sit down are these our leaders or people we want to lead?
From the government’s February of 2021 PR appointing him as a “consultant:” “Dr. Dawson is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Higher Education Administration.”
A doctorate in philosophy – clearly great credentials for him to be having a significant role in agricultural affairs. SMH yet again; and people wonder why this Territory is so messed up in so many ways….
I knew all along that Dr. Dawson was not made for Politics and it is evident every time he speaks.
Dr. Dawson is a much Loved and respected Virgin Islander BUT Politics is beyond him. I would definitely say He is not one of the Corrupt Leaders But He chose the wrong Profession this time. Word of Advice: Dr. Dawson, please quit while you are ahead.
Politics is definitely NOT for you. I can almost guarantee that your own premier would NEVER hire you as one of his advisors and that’s a Fact..