Walwyn proposes strategy to boost agriculture
Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn is calling for a clear, focused strategy to revive agriculture in the BVI, urging the government to prioritise short-term crops that can be grown quickly, reduce imports and create jobs.
“We have got to decide what we are going to do with agriculture,” he told lawmakers. “And I submit to you, let us concentrate on short crops. Concentrate on short crops, leafy greens, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, sweet potatoes, those sorts of things. They grow quickly, they reduce imports, they create jobs, and they are local staples that we use almost every day.”
Walwyn warned that the government’s current approach lacks focus and direction, saying the BVI is trying to do everything in agriculture when targeted investment in select areas would yield better returns. He also highlighted land access as a major barrier, particularly for young people interested in farming. He said many aspiring farmers want to work the land at Paraquita Bay but face unnecessary bureaucracy. “They got to go through all kinds of ring me rolls, to get a piece of land to do agriculture?” Walwyn asked.
To encourage greater youth participation, Walwyn said support must go beyond promises. He called for grants that are practical and meaningful, emphasising the need for “tangible grants” to help young farmers get started and stay in the sector.
Walwyn further called for stronger financial and policy support for farmers, including duty-free concessions on inputs such as seeds, equipment and fertilisers. He also stressed the importance of securing reliable markets, urging the government to actively link farmers with hotels, restaurants and other major buyers to ensure consistent demand for local produce.
While outlining these proposals, Walwyn pointed to longstanding infrastructure challenges that continue to undermine agricultural development, particularly water access at Paraquita Bay. He urged the government to treat the issue with urgency, arguing that without a reliable water supply, efforts to boost local food production will remain constrained.
His remarks add to growing criticism from the Opposition and several sections of society who say the government lacks focus and urgency on bread-and-butter issues, with water security and food production now firmly in the political spotlight.
Copyright 2026 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
They are trying everything possible to keep this man down but I am glad that he is in the House of Assembly. He is one of the few sensible thinkers in there.
When he and the Cuban were riding HIGH on the government hog traveling around the globe he didn’t have this ‘care & concern’ then; so why now?
Given our hilly, rocky terrain and scarcity of water; commercial farming on a large scale is difficult here. If Wally did the grocery shopping in his home he would know local farmers supply most supermarkets with produce and meats.
How often has Wally been to the farmers market on Saturdays? It’s like when you guys are not in the driving seat ideas and solutions flow down directly to you all. When in government and actually have a chance to change/influence the system for better- all sense, ideas and drive is diminished for personal gains.
Bruh you do see any of the supplies (seeds, fencing, water containers etc.) to any farmers in your district or outside? Nah. Doubt it!
Walwyn is the most sensible one in there. Period
Have a wholesale online b2b marketplace that links growers/fishing/ag with supermarkets/restruants/hotels.
@LB Have you forgotten that these foods coming from US are low in nutrients? This is a product of large-scale, mechanized production, driven by comparative advantage and heavily subsidized pricing. The cost of producing such goods in the BVI would be significantly higher. Instead, the BVI should specialize in organic production to meet the needs of residents who are seeking healthier food options.
We need a farmers market. A beautiful store front to sell and purchase farmed goods, including fresh seafood. Kids can bring whatever they grow and collect money immediately. Start to plant the seeds in their head that farming equals money. Send people away to do biochemistry and come back and test all goods and seafood we but for resale, checking for insects, germs, bacteria etc. But buy everything the farmers and fisherfolk bring in. Now that is transformational!
Within the HOA, there are thirteen individuals supposedly doing the people’s work.
Has the voting population come to the realization yet that that of the thirteen there is only one with above average natural and political intelligence, and that the rest are below to average?
And we wonder why nothing innovative and concrete gets done for the country or its people.
Wally’s thirst for power overrides his common senses and he come off as divisive and arrogant. One ma alone cannot run the government and he clearly seems to think so as his hang-one have him to believe.
One ma is not an island – does he have the fortitude and charisma to attract 12 other competent leaders to his camp? Time will tell.