Last Updated on March 18, 2026, 8:24 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The government of St Kitts has launched the Regional Economical Agri-Insurance Programme (REAP). The launch event for the programme was hosted on Tuesday and was attended by several members of the administration.
The programme is being hailed as a very important development for the agriculture sector of the country. The aim of the programme is to provide security to the agriculture stakeholders and farmers.
The government has announced that they will be investing in the security of the agriculture stakeholders. The government will be providing security and support to the food producers of the country in the event that their crop and produce is affected by hurricanes and storms or any droughts.
The programme has been conceptualized by the Ministry of Agriculture under the leadership of Samal Duggins. The Minister of Agriculture spoke on the launch of the programme and said “Today is not just about another launch.” Today is more of a correction. Today is more like a turning point. Today is where we confront a truth that farmers and fishers have been living with for far too long.”
The Minister of Agriculture added that for several decades, the farmers of the country have been taking risks and producing food for the country. However, they were not protected against the risks of bad weather drought.
The Minister of Agriculture has asserted that the program ensures that when peril strikes, whether it be drought or storm, that there’s a system already in place. This is a multi-parallel parametric system designed specifically for the realities here in St. Kitts and Nevis, and our realities across the Caribbean.
Minister Duggins gave the credit of the credit to the team at REAP, Lynch, and others for designing this programme specifically for the needs of the nation and its agriculturists.
He also said that in agriculture, timing is everything.
In the same launch event, Dr Terrance Drew also spoke about the benefits of the programme for the agriculture sector of the country.
He promised that under this programme, the government of St Kitts and Nevis will be investing $1 Million annually for the insurance of the farmers of the country. They will be given the assurance of recovery that will help them in the event of an emergency
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
