No food security anytime soon; Greenhouses destroyed
In addition, it appears that the Virgin Islands will not have food security any time soon as the much talked about greenhouses, a project started under the Opposition Virgin Islands Party Government, are now destroyed.
Money gone with the wind?
It was Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7) who announced a few years ago that the project will continue and sought some $1.5M to finish the project. The aim of the greenhouses was for the Virgin Islands (VI) to be able to reduce its food import bill, at least in fruits and vegetables. However, Hurricane Irma had other plans in mind as all the greenhouses located at Paraquita Bay were left in ruins.
Meanwhile, animals on Tortola continue to suffer, a story first and accurately reported by our newsroom on October 24, 2017. It was just yesterday October 29, 2017 that our roving camera was on the scene when a race horse was put to sleep at Ellis Thomas Downs.
According to an assistant veterinarian technician, the horse was "dying a slow death after it fell into a ghut on the track and sustained major injuries."
The infamous wall @ ESHS
In addition to other public structures that took a beating from Hurricane Irma was the Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL), the Education and Culture Minister, famous $1.6M Elmore Stoutt High School wall.
Many portions of the small wall around the school were damaged. The wall is the subject of an audit investigation called by former Governor John S. Duncan OBE.
In addition, a structure that Mr Walwyn, the controversial Minister, was building to the tune of $1,935,195 was also flattened by the hurricane. The building was to house the new 12th Grade, which was rushed into action by Mr Walwyn with little or no support from the public or teachers and students.
Back on our feet or not? Dr Smith
Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) has told the public at a press conference that the Territory is back on its feet; however, the public and civil society have scoffed at such an erroneous statement.
Even his own Deputy Premier, Dr The Honourable Pickering, disagreed with his boss and said infact there are "dark, dark days ahead."
Ninth District Representative, Hon Hubert O'Neal also distanced himself from the ridiculous statement by his Leader Dr Smith when he told residents on Virgin Gorda on October 25, 2017 that the government is "hurting for money...and I am very very serious". Dr O'Neal further stated, "if money is not injected into the Territory's economy it will collapse".
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21 Responses to “No food security anytime soon; Greenhouses destroyed”
The ministry need to budget money to have the grounds cleared and start from the beginning