2026 Agriculture & Fisheries Exhibition & Market ongoing
The Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition and Market opened at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in Paraquita Bay, Tortola, on Friday, April 10, 2026, and will culminate today, Sunday, April 12, 2026.
This year’s theme, 'Farm in the Land, Fish in the Seas, Nourishing Lives and Legacies', resonates with the identity of Virgin Islanders. The Premier emphasised that this theme reminds us that food production is not merely an economic activity; it is a cultural inheritance, a source of pride, and a foundation for our resilience as a people.
Many countries are working to reduce reliance on imports
Honourable Wheatley added that, “This focus is timely around the world and across our region, nations are once again confronting the urgent questions of food supply, food prices, and food security. Global shocks from conflicts, to climate impacts, have reminded us how vulnerable imported food systems can be.”
He noted that many countries are now working to reduce their reliance on imports and strengthen their capacity to provide for their own people. “Here in the Virgin Islands, we have walked this path before agriculture and fishing were once central pillars of our society and our economy. Our foreparents cultivated the land, rear their own livestock, and fished the seas with skill and purpose. They traded with neighbouring islands to sustain their families, to work hard, and with ingenuity.”
The Premier highlighted the importance of the exhibition, stating, "This exhibition and market remind us that the same spirit, the same capability, still lives within us. We have, within our shores and within our waters, the ability to produce food that can nourish our people, supply our restaurants, and reduce our dependence on imports.”
Gov't committed to developing & supporting agriculture sector
Honourable Wheatley assured Virgin Islanders that the government remains committed to supporting the farming and fishing sectors and strengthening food security. He highlighted interventions the government has made to bolster the agricultural sector, including the allocation of lands at Paraquita Bay for farming and the ongoing development of an agriculture and fisheries complex and a reservoir to support Paraquita Bay farmers. The project to build a fit-for-purpose fisheries landing site, the Omar Wallace Hodge Fisherman's Wharf and Park, is progressing to the design phase.
He stated that building a local food production sector can only happen if it becomes a national priority. “While we in the government do our part, our farmers and fishers need your support. I encourage families, restaurants, and businesses across the territory to buy local and eat local. When you support local food producers, you strengthen our economy, you reduce our vulnerability, and you help preserve the traditions that have shaped our identity.”
He further added, “When you support local farmers and fishers, you're helping to transform the efforts into viable commercial enterprises.”
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5 Responses to “2026 Agriculture & Fisheries Exhibition & Market ongoing”
Mr . Premier please tell Deputy Governor Mr. Archer to make ready my increase pension payment. Mr . Archer is dragging his feet on this matter. He said we would see something in February 2026. We are in April 2026 and nothing from him.
The same level of setup and improvements we saw this year could have been achieved at Paraquita Bay, which has actually been developing and improving over the years. From my experience attending on Saturday, the Festival Grounds posed a few challenges—especially the intense heat and dusty conditions, which made it uncomfortable for patrons, vendors, and even the animals.
At Paraquita Bay, the natural grass provides a cooler, more comfortable environment. The layout there has traditionally been more spacious and family-friendly, with animal pens designed to be interactive for children. In contrast, the setup at the Festival Grounds felt cramped, and the enclosures didn’t seem as accommodating for little kids.
Additionally, scheduling could have been handled better. If the greasy pig event was advertised for 2:30 pm, having families wait until after 4:00 pm was frustrating, especially in those conditions with young children.
Constructively, organizers should take these factors into account moving forward—comfort, safety, and overall experience for attendees, vendors, and animals alike—when deciding on a venue.