Journey towards independence must begin with food security- Dion M. Jennings
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These remarks were made by Dion M. Jennings, guest host of the "Honestly Speaking" programme, on May 26, 2026.
'Grappling with same issues'
Jennings noted that the last Constitution was established in 2007, and by 2026, the country was still grappling with many of the same issues that were present back then. He expressed concern, stating, “I don't know if we made the progress, what we should have made.”
He emphasised that achieving independence requires responsibility from everyone, including the government and the citizens, in order to foster self-reliance. He pointed out that the journey toward self-reliance must begin with food security.
“You cannot be an independent country unless you have some kind of food independence, but if tropical shipping does not come here, for two weeks, we are in a whole lot of trouble.”
'Independence is not just management'
Jennings further stated that independence is not just the management and administrative part of the country.
“When we're talking about food, educating our people, healthcare, and diversification of the economy, all that comes along with independence,” he added.
Jennings cautioned, “You can't just jump up and say you want to go independent because you want administrative power to deal with the revenues what comes into the government's coffers. It is a little bit more than that.”
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18 Responses to “Journey towards independence must begin with food security- Dion M. Jennings”
You’ve said it - independence requires more than lip service; it needs action and tangible efforts on the ground to shore up and build out these critical sectors first before we think about independence! So go back to being campaign manager for Wally Waldo.
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Frankly speaking truthfully, independence is in fact a political word, not practical happening. We are all dependant on the support of God and others. This truth is evidentual daily to, in, and through actions that real by live actions, not fictional imagination in the mind of many deceivers.
In short, the British Virgin Islands at this time is experiencing disgracing confusion in community management, be it political, Spiritual, social, cultural, religious, economical. Yes, we do need independence, but from what, and from who? The answer to these questions can be found within the pages of a volume book know as the bible, God inspired words. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all of the other needed things will be added to you. This is the way of true emancipation from slavery of selfish ambitious mindset.
The VI imports approximately over 80% of its food, due to limited agricultural production, lack of local food processing, etc. The VI is small, ie., approximately 59 square miles, distributed among 36 islands, islets, and rocks, with limited arable land. Further, several decades ago with a smaller population, it produced surplus food, exporting excess to the USVI. What changed? Several changes occurred, eg, a) population tripled, b) some arable land repurposed to other uses, c) retiring of older farmers, d) growing indifference to farming ( working ground),e) competition from imports, etc. Trade is driven by comparative advantage, ie,,engaging in actions with the lowest opportunity cost and trading for the rest. However, due to the heavy dependence on imported food, any supply chain, shipping disruption(s) would result in food shortages, etc. What can the BVI do to lower food insecurity?
The VI should developed structured agricultural policies, programmes, etc; incentivize farmers and farming; invest in infrastructure, eg, water infrastructure, government guaranteeing agricultural loans, improve transportation, etc.. What is the economic advantage of producing as much food as possible locally?
In addition to lowering food insecurity, producing food locally keeps money local, creating a multiplier effect in the economy; providing organic, healthier foods; providing employment, etc. should local food be cheaper than imported food? Big question? Imported food on average has a lower production cost. For example, the large MNC banana producers will have lower production cost per pound that locally produced bananas.
Moreover, food security should be sustainable, ie, food should be available, accesible, stable, reliable, etc, going beyond any supply chain disruptions.