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Food Security & Sustainability Act passed in HoA

- bill sponsored by Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley seeks to revolutionalise food production in VI
The Food Security and Sustainability Act, which was sponsored by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), was passed during the Second Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Photo: GIS/File
The Virgin Islands Food Security and Sustainability Act speaks to the development and review of the policy for sustainable agricultural production, food security and food safety to ensure that the sound and sustainable production, management and use of food for Virgin Islanders, residents and visitors to the Territory while addressing the impacts from climate change and disasters on food production. Photo: sourceofthespring.com
The Virgin Islands Food Security and Sustainability Act speaks to the development and review of the policy for sustainable agricultural production, food security and food safety to ensure that the sound and sustainable production, management and use of food for Virgin Islanders, residents and visitors to the Territory while addressing the impacts from climate change and disasters on food production. Photo: sourceofthespring.com
DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- A bill that will help “revolutionise food production” in the Territory has been passed in the House of Assembly (HoA) of the Virgin Islands.

The Food Security and Sustainability Act was passed during the Second Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands on Tuesday, April 19, 2022.

The Act was brought to the House by the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and seeks to establish an effective mechanism to promote food security and sustainability in the Territory.

What does the Act seek to do?

According to a press release from the Government Information Service (GIS), the Act seeks to provide for the establishment, powers and functions of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Virgin Islands Agriculture and Fisheries Authority and respecting the effective administration and management of agriculture and fisheries resources of the Territory.

The Act also speaks to the development and review of the policy for sustainable agricultural production, food security and food safety to ensure that the sound and sustainable production, management and use of food for Virgin Islanders, residents and visitors to the Territory while addressing the impacts from climate change and disasters on food production.

‘Act will help revolutionise food production in VI- Dr Wheatley

Honourable Wheatley thanked members of the House and members of the panel who contributed during the committee stage of the deliberation of the Bill.

“I am overjoyed by the passage of this historic bill, which will help revolutionise food production in the Territory by providing an agile and semi-autonomous authority capable of supporting the agricultural and fishing industries while strengthening regulation, data management, research, and oversight,” Honourable Wheatley said.

The Bill is now in its final stage before it can be fully utilised. The next step is for it to be presented to His Excellency, Governor John J. Rankin, CMG to be assented.

6 Responses to “Food Security & Sustainability Act passed in HoA”

  • ... (21/04/2022, 17:14) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    clap clpa clap clap you go boy!!!
  • Rubber Duck (21/04/2022, 18:03) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    I think they really believe that creating committees full of the same old cronies and free riders will “ revolutionise” food production.

    It won’t.
  • @ BIG youth (21/04/2022, 18:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    HEY BRO , WHERE IS THE WEED / DON'T DISOBEY YOUR MASTER , HE IS ONLY INTERESTED IN PROMOTING WEED , SO THATS ALL WE NEED
  • rattie (22/04/2022, 03:35) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Very good bill Showada you did well
  • E. Leonard (23/04/2022, 14:20) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Undoubtedly, food insecurity and sustainability are critical, Quadrant 1 (urgent and important) issues. The Virgin Islands (VI) (British) is a small, 59 square mile (spread over 36 islands), water-challenged community with limited arable land. Several decades ago with a much smaller population (approx 7-8K, 1940 and 50s) and a less indifference towards agriculture (subsistence agriculture was the prime economy), the VI had some self-sufficiency in food production and exported surplus to the nearby USVI ( St. Thomas, St. John). However, the environment has changed, ie, 1) the economy transitioned from subsistence agriculture to services(tourism and finial services), 2)increased population (approx 34,000), 3)repurposing limited arable land to other uses, ie, housing, 4)increased indifference to agriculture by Gen X, Gen Y, Gen Z, 5)retiring of Boomer and older farmers, and 6) ready availability of food import. Now, the VI imports a high percentage of its food (50+% ). Further, the community’s dietary palate has also changed; there is an increasing appetite for imported processed foods that are high in salt, calories, fat, and sugar. In addition to these challenges, the VI does not have the arable land to be self-sufficient in food production or establish a primary economy in agriculture.

    Nevertheless, there are some steps it can take to enhance 1) food security posture, 2)reduce food import bill, 3)improve the multiplier effect in the economy ( keeping more money local), 4)create employment, and 5)produce healthier foods. As such, government must play a critical role in increasing agricultural production by 1) identifying and allocating more land for agricultural production, 2) establish a public education and outreach agricultural production programme, 3) increase water supply to farmers, 4) reduce/waive duty on agricultural equipment, machinery and supplies, 5) expand road network into agricultural areas, 6) conduct workshops on increasing agricultural yield, 7)construct and operate market place for farmers to sell produce, 8) operate a more robust and functional agricultural department, etc. Furthermore, agriculture should a higher profile in ministerial assignment. To me, agriculture may be a better fit under the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour..... The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Fishery, Agriculture, etc, is too large. It’s span of control is too extensive. Education is too critical and important to loose any focus. But Crawl Bay, Cooper Island, I from.
  • long look me come from (24/04/2022, 01:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Do you think the punk from the bank can understand what it takes to bring a bill to the house? We sticking with one of the doctors


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