Hon. Dwight Fitz Bramble, the Parliamentary Representative for East Kingstown, has urged for greater investment in sustainable land use, stressing its importance for the economic growth and development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). His appeal follows his participation in the Global Changemaker Academy for Parliamentarians (GCAP) Conference in Bonn, Germany, which focused on influencing G20 nations to boost resource flows for restoration efforts.
During the conference, Bramble emphasized the critical need for SVG to prioritize sustainable land use and the preservation and restoration of land resources, particularly in developing countries like SVG. He pointed out the financial strain caused by the nation’s food import bill, which currently stands at approximately $500 million annually, contributing significantly to the high cost of living.
Bramble warned that without proper attention to land use, SVG could face unprecedented food prices, further hampering economic progress. He highlighted a ‘Community Vegetable Garden’ project he initiated in his constituency as an example of how local initiatives can play a role in promoting sustainable practices. He called for similar projects to be supported across the country.
Bramble was one of only 24 parliamentarians globally selected to attend the GCAP conference out of more than 300 applicants from 70 countries. The New Democratic Party (NDP) shares Bramble’s commitment to advocating for the proper use of land and marine resources to enhance food security and reduce the high cost of living in SVG.