Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr the Hon. Kedrick D. Pickering has stressed the importance of growing backyard gardens, supporting local farmers and fishermen as excellent ways to curb importation of goods that can be produced locally. Photo: VINO/File

It is a recognised fact that the Virgin Islands’ economy hinges on the tourism industry, along with Financial Services, and Hon. Pickering underscored the role of a safe and sustainable environment in maintaining the tourism industry. Photo: VINO/File

Hon. Pickering made those remarks during his statement on World Environment Day, which is celebrated every year under a global theme initiated and implemented by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), to promote public awareness of the environment.

This year’s theme is ‘Think. Eat. Save. REDUCE YOUR FOODPRINT.’ “The theme aims to accelerate action and provide a global vision and an information sharing portal for initiatives currently underway worldwide to reduce food waste,” said the Hon Minister.

On the topic of supporting local produce to prevent food wastage and reducing importation, Dr Pickering said fruits currently in season can be consumed in various ways to ensure their maximum use, such as in juices and smoothies, rich sources of vitamins and of course in our tarts, cakes and pastries. “This will not only reduce the energy and transportation costs associated with importing these goods, but will also boost our local economy.”

It is a recognised fact that the Virgin Islands’ economy hinges on the tourism industry, along with Financial Services, and Hon. Pickering underscored the role of a safe and sustainable environment in maintaining the tourism industry.

“When we become ‘sustainable’ we meet the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs; most experts agree.  Therefore, a world with less waste and hunger is a ‘greener’ more sustainable world. In the Virgin Islands, we anticipate a greater move towards sustainability, a greener economy and an environment that is preserved for generations to come,” said Hon. Pickering. “Tourism is our main industry. We must remember; there is no tourism without the environment.”

The Minister responsible for the environment and agriculture, said that since most foods are imported for the Virgin Islands, there are ways that persons can significantly assist to reduce food wastage. “Fruits and vegetables, meats and other perishable goods such dairy items must be packaged and refrigerated before, during and after importation to our shores.   Energy and fuel are therefore two of the main components involved in successfully supplying these foods to our shores. The use of this energy and fuel can be greatly reduced if produce is available locally.”

Hon. Pickering also said that producers can reduce their losses through the implementation of more efficient methods of harvesting, transporting and marketing. It is foreseen that if combined those methods with profound and lasting changes in the way we consume our food, there can be a healthier and possibly hunger-free world.