St Kitts and Nevis: Agriculture Ministry honours 3 for contributing to food security

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources of St Kitts and Nevis recognized three individuals on Thursday, 17^th October, 2024 for their invaluable contribution towards food security and the development of the agricultural sector.

The ceremony was held at the Carambola Beach Club and was a part of one of the activities of the week-long celebration of the World Food Day.

The celebration was conducted under the theme “Right to Foods, for a Better Life and a Better Future” with a vision to focus on critical issues related to food distribution, sustainable agriculture, ensuring food security for everyone.

These awards were presented in three categories including, Crop division, Livestock division and Fisheries. Among the awards presented were FAO Fisher of the Year 2024 award which went to Darwin Francis. The Livestock Farmer of the Year award was presented to Cervin Bradshaw, while Leon Anthony captured the Crop Farmer of the Year award.

The awards were presented by the Minister of Agriculture of St Kitts and Nevis, Samal Duggins. He was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Miguel Flemming, and staff of the agriculture department.

While shedding light on the prize-giving ceremony, Minister Samal Duggins expressed his excitement that his ministry is able to appreciate the members of the farming and fishing community for their remarkable service to the development of the nation.

He added that a lot of time, farmers and fishers doesn’t get the credit which they truly deserve. He stated they are not just common individual but are the food heroes who ensures that their nation is properly fed and economy is driven by local agricultural production.

Minister Duggins continued to say that in his country, they have several dedicated farmers who wake up at the crack of dawn and the fishers who go out and brave the waves day after day just to ensure that they put healthy foods on the top of the tables.

Moreover, the Minister also urged people to make healthier choices in terms of foods by consuming more of fresh locally produced goods. He added that they need to eat more of what they grow i.e. green bananas, ripe bananas, dasheen rather than tin and bottled foods.