Last Updated on October 30, 2022, 5:43 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The Delegation of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) held its 2022 edition of the Accountability Seminar at the St Kitts Marriott Resort on Thursday, 27th October.
During the seminar, Miguel Flemming, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources and Cooperatives St. Kitts, delivered remarks on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Samal Duggins. He also used the opportunity to share his hopes of strengthening the partnership between IICA and the Ministry.
During the address, he stated, “The government of St. Kitts-Nevis is on the verge of transforming Agriculture, as this is clear with the recently completed growth strategy from 2022-2031.”
Further, the acting permanent secretary stated that we couldn’t achieve this transformation alone. For this reason, the ministries look forward to working with IICA and other allied institutions, farmers, fishers and cooperatives, and public and private partners to get them there.”
Further, during the address, Flemming highlighted the impact of IICA’S presence in the federation. He spoke of the newfound realization of the agricultural sector’s importance during times of crisis.
Meanwhile, Huey Sergeant, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture on Nevis, also gave brief remarks focussing on the support of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to the nation’s food producers.
He stated, “We are very grateful to our allied agencies. He stated that in this case, IICA’s presence and tangible support are invaluable to our sector’s in-kind contributions and efforts of capacity building for farmers, agro-processors, other primary producers, and department staff. We are very grateful once again, and we, in turn, must be responsible and accountable.
Further, he stated, this accountability exercise is integral in any work program as it allows us to reflect on our actions whether it be for learning or success.”
He concluded his presentation by urging the attendees to “let our farmers be our special interest”, noting that “when farmers fail, we all fall, but when farmers win, we all rise.”
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.
