The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, under the World Bank-funded UBEC CERC “Food Insecurity Project,” distributed essential farming supplies to 1,333 farmers across mainland Saint Vincent between August 12 and 20, 2024. This initiative is part of the project’s Component 3.0, aimed at addressing food insecurity. The distribution took place at various centers, including:
- Richland Park (12.08.24) – 328 farmers
- Colonaire (15.08.24) – 422 farmers
- Penniston (16.08.24) – 195 farmers
- Cumberland (19.08.24) – 327 farmers
- Greenhill (20.08.24) – 4 farmers
- Sandy Bay (20.08.24) – 57 farmers
The supplies included critical tools such as knapsack sprayers, hoes, forks, shovels, rakes, files, and cutlasses, aimed at supporting the farmers in rebuilding and enhancing their agricultural activities.
Key speakers at the distribution ceremonies included the Honourable Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture; Honourable St. Clair Prince, Minister of Health; Carlos James, MP for North Leeward and Minister of Tourism; and Honourable Montgomery Daniel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport. Additionally, contributions were made by Renato Gumbs, Chief Agricultural Officer; Colville King, Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer; and Roxanne John, Interim Project Manager.
The “SVG Food Insecurity Project,” with a funding of US$10 million, is part of the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) regional program. It addresses the impacts of the 2021 volcanic eruptions, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and other climate-related challenges on the nation’s agricultural and fisheries sectors. The project is being implemented by the Economic Planning Division in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture.