PM Harris lauds local vendors for development of agriculture sector

St Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Timothy Harris made a regular visit to the Basseterre Public Market on Saturday, where he lauded the local vendors as well as farmers for massively contributing to the substantial development as well as the overall development of the agriculture sector. PM stated that he is quite impressed by the buildout of the government’s strategy for food security in the twin-island federation.

PM Harris was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Agricultural Ministry – Ron Dublin-Collins, and Crops Programme Leader for Department of Agriculture – Ian Chapman.

“On every visit to the public market here in Basseterre – the main outlet for receiving and trading of agricultural goods in St Kitts – I feel comforted that we are on a path; it’s a long journey yet to go, but there has been substantial progress,” Prime Minister Harris said.

He further stated that he is glad that every product available in the Basseterre market has been grown locally.

“I feel a sense that the policies that my government has put together; the stimulus packages which the farmers have benefitted from and all the other support that we have given – both at the level of technical advice and on the procurement of items to assist our farmers – that our investments are providing a dividend for our country,” said Prime Minister Harris.

He further marked that the market has been serving its purpose as many people have been visiting the public market to patronize the local vendors.

However, Prime Minister Harris praised the women vendors and farmers on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2022 for their contribution to the sector.

According to the government of St Kitts and Nevis, to decentralize vending from the Basseterre area, the Department of Agriculture is investing heavily in its community market initiative.