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LOCAL NEWS

Farmers Week 2001 was a big success

Minister of Natural Resources and Labour the Honourable Julian Fraser is determined that agriculture must play a significant role in the economy of the Virgin Islands. He gave that commitment during the Farmers Week 2001 celebrations last weekend.

In the 2001 budget estimates, the Legislative Council approved $2, 600, 000 for the agricultural sector. “Since taking office, my colleagues and I have placed renewed focus on the agricultural sector,” Hon. Fraser said, “it demonstrates that this government is not interested in just talking, but instead, prefers putting up the financial resources when necessary to drive the sector.”

The Minister said one of his goals is to develop greater access to technology. He said labour saving technologies are an important factor in increasing production and improving farmers’ quality of life. He said technological advances may have a high payoff in terms of improving food availability, creating employment opportunities, enhancing resource management and reducing environmental degradation. Hon. Fraser challenged farmers to keep up with the struggle to prevent hunger, not only in the BVI, but the Caribbean. He assured them that government has heard their cries about problems with water, loose livestock, land availability, finding markets for their produce and livestock and about fair market value.

“We also recognize the need of our farmers for access to credit…to buy improved seeds, fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides and to hire farm labourers to work the fields and help with post harvest production,” he noted. He announced that a request has been made, through the Minister for Finance, that discussions continue with commercial banks to ensure that the issue of farmers credit be addressed in a meaningful way. This commitment was also reiterated by the other government Ministers. Chief Minister Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal committed to ensuring that the funds needed for the development of agriculture are appropriated. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Communications and Works Hon. Alvin Christopher believes agriculture can become more productive in the BVI. He thinks the territory should at least strive for self-sustainability. “The annual hosting of Farmers Week is one means whereby we can continue to raise the awareness of all in our community to the social and economic benefits that can come from producing high quality, clean wholesome food,” said Hon. Andrew Fahie, Minister of Education & Culture.

Minister for Health & Welfare Hon. Ethlyn Smith reminisced about the vibrant farming activities of yesteryear compared to the decline of today. She agreed that there are many benefits to be derived from farming and encourage more use of the land around us.
According to Chief Agricultural Officer Dr. Arthur Peterson, the mission of the Department of Agriculture is to identify the various resources consistent with stimulating and encouraging agricultural productiveness in the territory. He said the Department stands committed to developing the growth of farming initiatives.

A number of activities were organized beginning Saturday March 3rd with the opening ceremony and 2-day exhibition at Paraquita Bay. The sister islands of Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda had their agricultural exhibitions on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday respectively. A grand food fair is being held today (Friday) and market day and closing ceremony is planned for Saturday March 10th.
For the awards, the 2001 Champion Farmer is Mr. Benjamin Peters. He is also the Outstanding Farmer on Tortola and he captured the prizes for having the Best Project at Paraquita Bay, being the Most Innovative Farmer and for the Best Crop Farmer on Tortola. On Virgin Gorda, the Outstanding Farmer is Lester Maduro, on Anegada - Vera Wheatley and on Jost Van Dyke - Lionel Blyden.
Renardis Donovan was named Young Farmer of the year 2001, Cheryl Smith is the Female Farmer of the year, Best Livestock Farmer on Tortola is Dr. Clinton George, on Virgin Gorda - Lester Maduro, Anegada - Henrietta St. Rose Wheatley and on Jost Van Dyke - Lionel Blyden.

The Best Crop Farmer on Virgin Gorda is Elmore George, Anegada - Sylvanita Faulkner and on Jost Van Dyke - Eldred Graham. In the Best Poultry Category, Dr. Clinton George was named Best Poultry Farmer on Tortola, on Virgin Gorda - Lester Maduro and on Anegada, the Best Poultry Farmer is Vera Wheatley.

For Best Orchard Farmer Tortola - Michael Lloyd, Virgin Gorda - Rose Gardener, Anegada - George Smith and Jost Van Dyke - Ivan Chinnery.

For Best Backyard Garden, that prize went to Dr. Brewley and Alred Frett for Tortola, Richard Walters on Virgin Gorda, Vera Wheatley on Anegada and Joyce Chinnery on Jost Van Dyke. Renardis Donovan was also awarded for Best All-round Effort and Best Terraced Plot. And in the schools essay competition, the first prize went to the Francis Lettsome Primary School, 2nd prize - Althea Scatliffe and 3rd - Ebenezer Thomas.

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			LOCAL NEWS

			Farmers Week 2001 was a big success Minister of Natural Resources and Labour the Honourable Julian Fraser is determined that agriculture must play a significant role in the economy of the Virgin Islands. He gave that commitment during the Farmers Week 2001 celebrations last weekend. In the 2001 budget estimates, the Legislative Council approved $2, 600, 000 for the agricultural sector. “Since taking office, my colleagues and I have placed renewed focus on the agricultural sector,” Hon. Fraser said, “it demonstrates that this government is not interested in just talking, but instead, prefers putting up the financial resources when necessary to drive the sector.” The Minister said one of his goals is to develop greater access to technology. He said labour saving technologies are an important factor in increasing production and improving farmers’ quality of life. He said technological advances may have a high payoff in terms of improving food availability, creating employment opportunities, enhancing resource management and reducing environmental degradation. Hon. Fraser challenged farmers to keep up with the struggle to prevent hunger, not only in the BVI, but the Caribbean. He assured them that government has heard their cries about problems with water, loose livestock, land availability, finding markets for their produce and livestock and about fair market value. “We also recognize the need of our farmers for access to credit…to buy improved seeds, fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides and to hire farm labourers to work the fields and help with post harvest production,” he noted. He announced that a request has been made, through the Minister for Finance, that discussions continue with commercial banks to ensure that the issue of farmers credit be addressed in a meaningful way. This commitment was also reiterated by the other government Ministers. Chief Minister Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal committed to ensuring that the funds needed for the development of agriculture are appropriated. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Communications and Works Hon. Alvin Christopher believes agriculture can become more productive in the BVI. He thinks the territory should at least strive for self-sustainability. “The annual hosting of Farmers Week is one means whereby we can continue to raise the awareness of all in our community to the social and economic benefits that can come from producing high quality, clean wholesome food,” said Hon. Andrew Fahie, Minister of Education & Culture. Minister for Health & Welfare Hon. Ethlyn Smith reminisced about the vibrant farming activities of yesteryear compared to the decline of today. She agreed that there are many benefits to be derived from farming and encourage more use of the land around us. According to Chief Agricultural Officer Dr. Arthur Peterson, the mission of the Department of Agriculture is to identify the various resources consistent with stimulating and encouraging agricultural productiveness in the territory. He said the Department stands committed to developing the growth of farming initiatives. A number of activities were organized beginning Saturday March 3rd with the opening ceremony and 2-day exhibition at Paraquita Bay. The sister islands of Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda had their agricultural exhibitions on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday respectively. A grand food fair is being held today (Friday) and market day and closing ceremony is planned for Saturday March 10th. For the awards, the 2001 Champion Farmer is Mr. Benjamin Peters. He is also the Outstanding Farmer on Tortola and he captured the prizes for having the Best Project at Paraquita Bay, being the Most Innovative Farmer and for the Best Crop Farmer on Tortola. On Virgin Gorda, the Outstanding Farmer is Lester Maduro, on Anegada - Vera Wheatley and on Jost Van Dyke - Lionel Blyden. Renardis Donovan was named Young Farmer of the year 2001, Cheryl Smith is the Female Farmer of the year, Best Livestock Farmer on Tortola is Dr. Clinton George, on Virgin Gorda - Lester Maduro, Anegada - Henrietta St. Rose Wheatley and on Jost Van Dyke - Lionel Blyden. The Best Crop Farmer on Virgin Gorda is Elmore George, Anegada - Sylvanita Faulkner and on Jost Van Dyke - Eldred Graham. In the Best Poultry Category, Dr. Clinton George was named Best Poultry Farmer on Tortola, on Virgin Gorda - Lester Maduro and on Anegada, the Best Poultry Farmer is Vera Wheatley. For Best Orchard Farmer Tortola - Michael Lloyd, Virgin Gorda - Rose Gardener, Anegada - George Smith and Jost Van Dyke - Ivan Chinnery. For Best Backyard Garden, that prize went to Dr. Brewley and Alred Frett for Tortola, Richard Walters on Virgin Gorda, Vera Wheatley on Anegada and Joyce Chinnery on Jost Van Dyke. Renardis Donovan was also awarded for Best All-round Effort and Best Terraced Plot. And in the schools essay competition, the first prize went to the Francis Lettsome Primary School, 2nd prize - Althea Scatliffe and 3rd - Ebenezer Thomas.
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