Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves has extended a call to the farmers and fisher-folk of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to unite and seize the significant opportunities for collaboration and collective benefit from supplying Sandals Resort with seafood and other produce.
Dr. Gonsalves made the call while addressing the nation during a press conference held at Cabinet Room on the morning of March 4th.
Recognizing the pressing need for a consistent and affordable supply of quality produce, Prime Minister Gonsalves urged farmers and fisher-folk to unite, and aggregate their resources, in order to meet the growing demand from Sandals. He stressed the importance of a predictable supply chain in the hospitality industry, noting that such collaboration could lead to substantial benefits for the agricultural and fisheries sectors.
“Many opportunities await Vincentian artisans if they come together and seize them collectively, especially if venturing solo proves challenging,” remarked Prime Minister Gonsalves during the conference. He pointed to the hotel industry’s demand for reliable and modern business practices, while encouraging farmers and fisher-folk to elevate their strategies to tap into the opportunities available.
Emphasizing a shift from traditional practices, Prime Minister Gonsalves declared that the era of mono-cropping has passed, and only practiced particularly in niche markets. He encouraged stakeholders to embrace diversified and competitive practices, aligned with modern standards.
Moreover, Prime Minister Gonsalves identified linkages between the need for a skilled labor force in the agriculture and fisheries sectors and his visionary approach to education. He said the ongoing education revolution programme is geared to producing a well-rounded and extensively skilled workforce to meet the evolving demands of the sectors.
Meanwhile, Dr. Gonsalves expressed optimism about the collaborative potential of local farmers and fisherfolk, foreseeing a future where their united efforts would contribute significantly to the growth of the agricultural industry and the nation collectively.