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VI Agriculture Exhibition & Market Day 2024 kicks off on VG

The Virgin Islands (VI) Department of Agricultural and Fisheries 2024 Exhibition and Market Day kicked off this morning Saturday, March 2, 2024, on the island of Virgin Gorda. Photo: VINO
Present at the opening was also the District Representative Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9). Photo: VINO
Present at the opening was also the District Representative Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9). Photo: VINO
At the event were local boots and stands displaying agriculture products, arts and craft. Photo: VINO
At the event were local boots and stands displaying agriculture products, arts and craft. Photo: VINO
SPANISH TOWN, Virgin Gorda, VI - The Virgin Islands (VI) Department of Agricultural and Fisheries 2024 Exhibition and Market Day kicked off this morning Saturday, March 2, 2024, on the island of Virgin Gorda.

The theme this year's 2024 event is - RISE: sow the Seeds of Sustainability: Youth Fueling Food Security. 

It event was declared open by Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr. The Hon Karl Dawson (R1) as part of Agriculture Month 2024 where the Minister also shared information on the history of Agriculture in the Virgin Islands as part of his opening speech. 

Dr Dawson added that increased agriculture yields in the territory cannot be the job of the Government alone nor that of farming and fishing communities, but people working in tandem on three key pillars.

These key pillars he said are the engagement and cooperation of framers and fishers, training of the next generation for those in the industry, and the establishment of government policies and programs to support the sector.

Hon Wheatley challenge locals to plant more

Meanwhile Present at the opening was also the District Representative and Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9).

In a brief speech, the Minister said agriculture remains an important aspect of the VI culture as any nation that can’t feed itself is in trouble, “We must start with the youths that why I am so pleased to have the children here today, there was a time when everyone grew something in their backyard,” he said.

Further, Hon Wheatley challenged persons in the VI to return to growing food in their backyards and the ground around them.

Several groups traveled from Tortola to support the event including Agriculture students of the Elmore Stoutt High School.

11 Responses to “VI Agriculture Exhibition & Market Day 2024 kicks off on VG”

  • ANOTHER WASTE OF TIME (02/03/2024, 16:07) Like (12) Dislike (14) Reply
    SHOW ME ONE THING THAT THIS GUY DID SINCE HE WON THAT SEAT
    • Set of Froth (02/03/2024, 21:05) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
      Tell me one thing you did other than sitting and typing muck .Empty vessel make to most noise
  • VG (02/03/2024, 17:56) Like (5) Dislike (10) Reply
    Show next week what will take place in this same location.As this is a whole year in running since.Put the damn market back at the area next to fire station
  • please (02/03/2024, 18:18) Like (16) Dislike (10) Reply
    @ another waste of time. We can't please you no time my friend?
    Seems like you would have been a better candidate would you be willing to run next election since you think leadership is a walk over. Some of you have no gratitude and no altitude. Can't see beyond the nose and making the most noise. Tell him what to do to please you then. Set of hypocrites
  • Truth (03/03/2024, 07:43) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    No really. Another person here.

    DO tell us ONE thing he did since for agriculture. I for one want to see good things happen but you have to not sugar coat it or the power will go right to their heads.

    This guy seems to be for some people and instead of being supportive in truth to all people, want to watch some drag along and say pull yourself up. You are government & paid to represent the people. Andrew Fahie was big on appearances, photo shoots galore. Be different.

    The agriculture department has obvious deficiencies which he is well aware of and give it another year it will still be unable to fulfill its duties. These people are bordering on negligent and people will get hurt if they don't pull it together with protecting residents from wild animals.

    Imagine if the country ran out of license plates and the minister neglect to get more and has an attitude of well people should get it themselves. When you show proof of how government is screwing people around...

    They dont move to plug the leaks in the boat. Steady neglecting their responsibility but they want you to be doing everything perfect looking for as reason to justify why government is not treating you fairly and justify why they are not doing their job.

    That is how badly this ministry is operating. Agri-day is fun but I will not be participant.
  • Truth (03/03/2024, 07:50) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    No wait im sorry this was supposed to be the truth.

    Truth is they are not bordering on negligence, they were and are negligent!!

    Thank god no one got hurt and yes the minister knew about the problem. How can I pull my punches in my words when our own local people were in the way of physical danger and government not do the job right.
  • Truth @ please (03/03/2024, 08:10) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    That other comment 'waste of time' is not me, but as a farmer did you not see in the article where the man said

    "increased agriculture yields in the territory cannot be the job of the Government alone nor that of farming and fishing communities, but people working in tandem on three key pillars."

    Coming from the government what does that really mean? We've watched successive agri ministers come and go, problems remain.

    I could teach those kids a thing or two that would blow their mind and increase their agriculture potential greatly yet Im one of those those make the most noise and see nothing happen except people continue on with their old perspective. They want to sweep people like us under the rug... why give them a million dollar idea to sweep me under and run to the photo shots.

    So if I were to teach those kids & community with the minister behind me next year you will see government talking about their big plans and new idea.

    Either produce or BS goes for all industry including politics.

    But to the youth when you produce no politician can tell you that is too much produce and you are making to much money whether fishing, farming or serving tourist.
  • Well done great event (03/03/2024, 08:14) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    This was a great event for the community and although it could have been advertised better it was very good in person. Cute baby animals dressed up clothes like a petting zoo, tons of local organic veg and fruit for sale. Locally made jams, sauces, even locally made pasta. Very very good for us consumers and the entire community. I saw a few tourists there who liked the animals a lot. I didn’t tell them the petting zoo was the butchers booth. If they can/will do this again I will surely spread the word to go. Also lots of great baked goods for sale. Local honey.. I can go on..
  • g (03/03/2024, 16:54) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Dawson u looking really happy getting a good pay check wild the roads are bad and the people are hurting, I have u to be more responsible than dis the people are fooled by u guys
    • @g (04/03/2024, 08:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      There is really something called stupidity. I think instead of fixing roads, water etc the government needs to spend more on adult education. It is surely lacking in the BVI from the nonsense being dissimenated thru these blogs.
  • Vg Daisy (05/03/2024, 04:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This was the best Agri fair VG has seen in a long time! Kudos to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the farmers and the fishermen, vendors and the community for making it a huge success. Very good job Leslie and team, I saw you personally working tirelessly and you did well. Keep pushing!


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