Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) announced that farmers and fisherfolk must obtain a license and develop a business plan to qualify for significant government subventions. Photo: Facebook

Water reservoir for farmers in Parquita bay. Photo: Facebook

Premier Wheatley highlighted several key incentives for farmers and fisherfolk across the Virgin Islands, including a new water policy, subsidized land, and low-interest grants. Photo: GIS

This announcement was made during his appearance on the Umoja programme on ZBVI 780 AM on October 30, 2025.

Premier Wheatley highlighted several key incentives for farmers and fisherfolk across the Virgin Islands, including a new water policy, subsidised land, and low-interest grants.

"The government has land at Paraquita Bay, and other places, and that's partly why we need a license and lease agreement to be able to dictate what takes place on the land."

Why a business plan?

He emphasised the importance of having a business plan, stating, "The model that we are looking at is to be able to empower farmers. To be able to occupy the land, or even before they occupy the land, they have to have a business plan. It's not that we just give land and we say do what you're doing."

Dr Wheatley stressed, "You come with a business plan, and then through that business plan, we decide whether you're the right person to be able to occupy this land, because what you want to do corresponds with the government's priorities and the government's interests of increasing food production and having food security."

Water policy

The Premier stated that the government is also looking to develop a water policy. "I should make you aware, as well, that we're building a reservoir at Pariquita Bay. That is something that the recovery and development agency has taken on. But we're building a reservoir so that water can be available to farmers."

He added that too often Virgin Islanders speak about the fact that farmers should be subsidised; therefore, the government is going to provide land and water at a subsidised rate, but it's not going to be free.

"We have to pay for these things, but it will be able to use the subsidised rate. It's not going to be out of the commercial rate, and the water policy will basically dictate what that looks like, and what the conditions are to be able to access that.’’

The Premier also said that the government is about to pass a policy that will be able to provide grants to persons to be able to produce so that there is production.