LOCAL NEWS
Government Helps Farmers
It was reassuring to see farmers throughout the British Virgin Islands come out in large numbers to showcase their fruits, vegetables and livestock during the agricultural exhibitions, the local food fair and on market day, activities organized as part of Farmers Week 2000. The March 4th-11th event was observed this year under the theme Youth in Agriculture for Food in the Future. This was the first such celebration for new Minister of Natural Resources and Labour the Honourable Julian Fraser, who was elected only ten months ago. At the Market Day and closing ceremony last Saturday, he commended the farmers for the work they have been doing over the past year, but acknowledged that much more needs to be done on the part of everyone to enhance the development of the industry. The Minister said that the major shortcoming facing the industry is the lack of water, a problem that is evident in Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda and Tortola. He said without water, agriculture cannot prevail, but he hastened to raise again, the issue of abuse, where some farmers are found to be wasting the supplies. Minister Fraser told the farmers, this wastage contributes to the government's outstanding water bill of $1M. “I will be working on that problem," the Minister promised. Speaking to farmers we have heard time and again of the great support they have been receiving from the O’Neal government especially in times of need such as after the many hurricanes that have impacted so badly the agricultural sector in recent years. The present administration has been consistent in its support of the agricultural sector and while some people may criticize this stance, there is no denying that while that sector has been declining for the past fifty years there now seems renewed energy and interest in reviving it. We were very favourably impressed by the turnout of farmers for Farmers Week 2000 and we trust that the present government will continue in its commitment to the agricultural sector.