Hon. Stacy R. Mather (AL), OBE, has urged the Premier and the government of the Virgin Islands to invest more in agriculture. Photo: Internet source

Hon. Stacy R. Mather (AL), OBE, made the call during the Virgin Islands Voice programme held on Wednesday, May 6, 2025. Photo: Facebook

He stated, “So, while we're feeding the minds of the people in the Virgin Islands, I'm going to be encouraging the premier, as we go through this year, to start investing in the body.”

Hon Mather emphasised that the Virgin Islands possess the resources, such as fertile soil, necessary for developing agriculture in the territory. However, he noted that more investment is required, especially in extension services.

More investment 

“We've had extension services over the years where Agriculture [Department] will train, they would have equipment, and agriculture is definitely at the point where it needs more of an investment in our territory, and fisheries,” he said.

He pointed out that fishermen require supplies, such as ice, adding, “I think that sometimes supplying to the individual farmer is very costly to the government, but again, setting up these landing sites where ice is readily available, we will take care of many with one station.”

More public events 

Hon Mather acknowledged the government's current investments but stated, “I'm also gonna lend my voice, and I'm gonna agitate the premier here and there as a minister of finance to put some more money into agriculture, so that our farmers can see the investment.”

He also emphasised the need for more public events focused on agriculture.