Media Advisory

20^th January 2012, St. Johns, Antigua:  Farmers and the general public are advised that effective Wednesday, 25^th January 2012 all payments for agricultural services and rental of lands for the Agricultural Extension Division (A.E.D.),  will be discontinued from the Perry Bay office and move to the  Ministry of Agriculture Headquarters  opposite the Country Pond –Independence Drive.

Please be advised that payments can be made daily Monday to Friday from 8:15 to 2.p.m at the Accounts Department.

Thanks, kindly for your corporation.

By Theresa Gordon – Thursday, January 12th, 2012.

Much emphasis was placed throughout 2011 on programs directed towards the Agriculture’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product and the thrust of achieving Food and Livelihood Security.
 
Director of Agriculture Mr. Jedidiah Maxime said, a three –pronged approach was taken with overarching objectives, “to assist in modernization of the sector through strategic alliance with stakeholders and regional and international organizations, provision of incentives for entrepreneurs especially for youths to establish agriculture businesses and the protection and development of the sector by utilizing the environment in a sustainable manner.”
 
Significant efforts were made in the areas of research and development towards the development of Food and Livelihood Security. “The Agricultural Extension Division and the Research Station will be collaborating in trials to demonstrate the performance of new varieties of tomatoes, sweet peppers and other vegetables. Additionally; research is continuing on Irish Potato to determine the commercial feasibility of the appropriate varieties for production.

To this end, Mr. Maxime explained trials were undertaken successfully in 2010-2011 to produce on a semi-commercial basis the Irish Potato.
 
Meanwhile, the Christian Valley and Green Castle Stations are continuing their programme of fruit trees and seedlings production.  It is anticipated that the combine effort will produce some 10,000 seedlings of fruit trees varieties in 2012.
 
At Cades Bay Pineapple and Propagation Station approximately (8) eight acres of pineapples planted at the Cades Bay Propagation Station should generate an estimated revenue of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for the 2012 harvesting cycle, the director outlined.

With the increased services to the private sector in the areas of affordable tractor services to farmers in the various agricultural districts, productivity of vegetables and root crops and management and control of swarms on the agenda, the ministry has widened the benefits with earmarking of approximately, three hundred (300) acres of land for crop production in 2012.
Several trainings were also conducted with farmers and producers in the areas of crop production technology, integrated pest management and good agricultural practices.
As it relates to cotton, the director of agriculture noted “the purity and quality” of the Sea Island Cotton Germplasm is priority as required by the Market.
“The ministry is continuing its technical management of the Sea Island cotton in a manner that allows for the development of a robust local Cotton Industry in areas of research and technology,” said Mr. Maxime.
In January 2011, an agreement was reached between Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment, and the Cooperative West Indian Sea Island Cotton Japan Project (CWISICJP), for the export of the Indigenous Antigua Sea Island Cotton.
“This agreement allows the Ministry of Agriculture to supply a minimum of 20,000 lbs of Sea Island cotton lint annually at U.S. $10.00 per lbs, which equates to US $ 200,000 in revenue annually.”
For, the 2011 -2012 season approximately 50 acres is under production.
With regards the private agriculture projects facilitated by the ministry a $1 –million dollar Agricultural Investment project geared towards the sustainable development of the eight species of Avocado varieties in Antigua & Barbuda is currently underway at Gaynor’s.
This project is being developed by Avikado Antigua Ltd.
The project has an underlined objective to develop a handling and processing facility in an effort to strengthen the agro-processing industry.
Several hundreds of avocado trees are being planted with advantages ranging from increased local employment in the agricultural industry, impact on food security,  reduction of imported avocado and its by products, Training and capacity building for technical staff at the ministry of Agriculture, savings of foreign exchange and Diversification of the economy.

 With Antigua and Barbuda’s focus on services as the means to achieve our growth and development aspirations, the contribution of agriculture to annual economic output has declined steadily to less than 2 percent.

However, the objectives of food security and generating or persevering foreign exchange have brought renewed focus on agriculture. In order to achieve  these objectives, we have pursued a number of policies and programmes to boost crop and livestock production.

 The objective of food security can be tied to that of preserving foreign exchange and increasing income for local farmers. Instead of spending between forty and fifty million on imports of fresh produce and crops, we can preserve foreign exchange by producing more of these crops locally.

The Government has focused on developing new varieties of crops that can thrive in Antigua and Barbuda and increase the harvest of our farmers.

Emphasis has been placed on tomatoes, sweet peppers and other vegetables, including Irish potatoes. In fact, with the successful trial of a specific variety of Irish potato we are preparing to undertake production on a semi-commercial basis. Further, we will continue to capitalize on onion and carrot production for both local consumption and export to a number of our CARICOM neighbours.

We recognize that in order to significantly augment crop production and reduce the amount of foreign exchange spent on food imports, existing and potential farmers must possess the necessary inputs and receive appropriate support from the Government.

The Government has therefore earmarked 300 acres of land for crop production in 2012. A related intervention is the Government’s plans to harness the skills of the youth to develop the sector through entrepreneurship. The National Youth Farm and the 20/40 project in Pares Village are intended to attract youth to the sector by emphasizing investment in and the direct returns from agriculture.

These programmes are also intended to offer economically viable income generating options for youth. This is paramount to the continued existence and sustainability of agriculture in Antigua and Barbuda. We have approached the governments of Spain and Venezuela to assist with the 20/40 project, and we are working with the CDB to identify a funding arrangement for the National Youth Farm.

The National Youth Farm comprises 100 acres: - of land which will be used to train and employ Antigua and Barbuda’s future farmers. This project will occupy 250 young people over a three year period. In 2012 the Government will focus on implementing the first phase of this project. This first phase will offer 80 youth an opportunity to begin training in modern crop production on 40 acres of land.

Another positive development in the sector is a one million dollar agricultural investment project geared towards sustainable development of the eight species of avocado varieties in Antigua and Barbuda. This project is being implemented at Gaynor’s by Avikado.

Antigua Ltd. Its overall objective is to develop a handling and processing facility in

Antigua and Barbuda in an effort to strengthen the agro-processing industry. Several hundred avocado trees are being planted with advantages ranging from increased local employment in the agricultural industry, impact on food security, reduction of imported avocado and its by products, savings of foreign exchange and further diversification of the output from the agriculture sector.

We are encouraged by the opportunities associated with this project and the Government will provide the requisite support to secure the success of this venture.

In terms of securing foreign exchange through this sector, we will continue to enhance production of the Antigua Black Pineapple and Sea Island Cotton for export.

With respect to our Sea Island Cotton we intend to fully exploit the trade agreement with the

Cooperative West Indian Sea Island Cotton Japan Project that was established earlier this year.

This product demands strict adherence to high standards and the Cotton Station is working to ensure the integrity and quality of our unique Sea Island Cotton are maintained. The agreement affords Antigua and Barbuda the opportunity to supply a minimum of 20,000 pounds of Sea Island cotton lint annually at US$10.00 per pound.

There are currently 50 acres under production which will yield nearly 200,000 pounds of cotton with a market value of about US$2 million.

The fisheries sector has incredible potential to generate foreign exchange in Antigua and Barbuda. With the opening of the Artisanal Fisheries Complex on Barbuda, which was generously provided by the Government and People of Japan, we anticipate increased capability for employment, handling, processing, and export of seafood.

 Antigua and Barbuda continues to enjoy the coveted status of being one of the few Caribbean countries that is able to export fresh seafood products to the European Union. The intent is to take greater advantage of this position in 2012 by enhancing our capacity to deliver seafood products that meet the high standards and quality requirements of the export market.

 We will achieve this with the coming on stream of the Complex in Barbuda and the improvements that have been made at the Point Wharf.

Lobster is the only product exported to the EU at this time. However, with the improvements made at the Point Wharf Processing Complex we will start exporting fish and conch to the EU in 2012. Additionally, all the infrastructure and equipment for processing seafood products are now in place.

The Point Wharf facility has the capacity to gut and scale, fillet, steak, dry salt, and pickle fish in a sterile environment. In 2012 other products such as fish burgers, fingers, and patties will be added while adhering to quality assurance standards. These developments, along with the Government’s direct support to fisher folk, promise to increase productivity and income in the fisheries sector. Government’s support includes concessions on tools and equipment, and on fuel costs.

The prospect of further erosion of the agriculture base does not augur well for food security and generating or preserving foreign exchange. We are therefore mindful that the Government must continue to provide farmers with access to improved and affordable tractor services, along with ongoing training in crop production technology and good agricultural practices.

Further, the Government continues to assist in keeping the cost of production low by affording bona fide farmers duty and tax, including ABST, concessions on inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and various tools and equipment.

 A Buy Local Campaign: - will be launched to encourage our people to support local farmers.

 As part of this initiative, the Government will continue to pursue avenues to strengthen links between the agriculture and tourism sectors. If households and businesses all make a conscious effort to consume the foods produced in Antigua and Barbuda, the higher incomes of farmers would help to increase demand for other goods and services in the economy.

 Essentially, when we buy local, we are stimulating our own economy.

While we are not likely to become fully self-sufficient, it is good economic sense to make the best use of our resources by empowering the agriculture sector to make a meaningful contribution to economic growth.

North Sound Housing Project:-

The North Sound Housing Project, financed by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela aims to provide affordable homes for civil servants inclusive of police, nurses, teachers and other government employees. The Government has been working with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHAPA) to ensure that the houses can be afforded by the target groups.

An agreement has been reached with the Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB) to offer financing for the homes. The loans are being offered at a concessional interest rate of 7.5 percent in keeping with the loan agreement signed with the Venezuelan financiers.

To further alleviate costs, the Ministry of Legal Affairs will assist with the legal documentation required to complete the sale.  There are four model homes under the project: the Cuyagua, Choroni A, Choroni B and Aroa.

The houses are situated on 5,412 square feet of land and we will begin selling houses in

December 2011. Along with selling the houses in North Sound Housing Project, CHAPA will also continue to sell houses in the Folleys Development.

Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and the Environment:-

Food and shelter are two of the most basic needs of humankind. The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and the Environment oversee the Government’s programmes and policies with regard to these needs.

This Ministry’s budget for 2012 is $16,379,516:-

In 2011 the International Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA) conducted an institutional review of the Agriculture portfolio. Based on IICA’s recommendations, the

Ministry’s strategic priorities for 2012 are to develop its human resources and improve its financial management capabilities.

The ultimate aim is to increase agriculture’s contribution to gross domestic product, and to food security in Antigua and Barbuda.

Among the specific activities to be undertaken in 2012, the Department of Agriculture (DOA) will assist farmers to prepare three hundred acres of land for crop production.

The Green Castle and Dunbars stations will continue to produce seedlings for backyard

Gardeners and farmers. It is anticipated in 2012 that over 100,000 seedlings will be produced.

The Giant African Snail has emerged as the most significant invasion with the potential for crop damage in recent times.

 Efforts to control and eradicate the spreading pest remain high on the agenda of the Department of Agriculture. In 2012 the Fisheries Division will focus on increasing the level of sea food processing, while adding new value added products for the local and export markets.

The Lands Division of the Ministry of Agriculture is an integral part of the overall management of crown lands in Antigua and Barbuda.

For the period 2012 to 2013 the main priority of the Lands Division will be to implement a fully functional Management Information System.

 This will increase efficiency and productivity, as information will be more readily accessible.

The Sustainable Island Resource Management Zoning Plan (or the Land Use Plan), has been completed and will be presented in Parliament in early 2012. The Land Use Plan presents a strategic development framework that addresses current development issues and provides a platform for feasible private and public sector development initiatives.

Shelter is a basic need:-

This Administration would like to make owning an affordable home a reality for all Antiguans and Barbudans.

The North Sound Housing:-

Development is a small step in that direction. Seventy-nine houses are being built in this project, with financing from the Venezuelan Government.

 To date 19 houses have been completed, and another 30 are in varying stages of construction. In 2012 we expect to finalize the cost, and the criteria for owning one of these homes.

The Ministry of Agriculture has scores of applications to purchase land, but has not been able to meet the demand.

This initiative will allow the Government to meet this demand and provide an investment opportunity for local contractors and investors.

The Government paid over $231 million to local contractors and merchants over the past 22 months.

We intend to continue to make these payments, resources permitting, which will in turn enable the contractors to reinvest in the economy. Over the coming months, we will also work with the banking sector to secure their participation in this venture.

Finally, the Government intends to go one step further in its bid to make home ownership a reality for our people and to stimulate economic activity.

Over the past few years, we engaged in limited land development and distribution as we were awaiting completion of the National Land Use Policy.

With this Plan in place, we will be able to meet the land needs of our people and ensure protection of the environment.

In 2012 we will begin an intensive land development and distribution initiative. We have made a policy decision that we will no longer sell land without the proper infrastructure in place.

To address this, we have been engaged in discussions with a number of local contractors who wish to work with the Government to develop land for residential and commercial purposes.

This engagement would be a private-public sector partnership under which the contractors would develop the land with the appropriate infrastructure, according to Government’s specifications. The lots will then be sold to those desiring land.

Of course, the selling price would need to reflect the fact that the proper roads and utilities have already been installed. However, the price will remain below that charged by private sellers.

The Ministry of Agriculture has scores of applications to purchase land, but has not been able to meet the demand. This initiative will allow the Government to meet this demand and provide an investment opportunity for local contractors and investors.

 The government has paid over $231 million to local contractors and merchants over the past 22 months. It is the  intention to continue to make these payments, resources permitting, which will in turn enable the contractors to reinvest in the economy.

Over the coming months, we will also work with the banking sector to secure their participation in this venture.

This is Phase Two of the Construct Antigua Barbuda Initiative and will commence in March 2012 with the sale of 600 parcels of land. We have identified 127 acres as follows:

 North Sound – 30 acres

 Freetown – 20 acres

 Bolans – 12 acres

 Urlings – 15 acres

 McPond – 50 acres

The average size of the plots will be ¼ acre.

We have not excluded our Antiguan and Barbudan brothers and sisters living abroad. They too will have an opportunity to benefit from the Government’s land distribution Programme in 2012.

We have set aside land at Dow Hill for this purpose and will encourage the Antiguan and Barbuda Diaspora to make use of the Construct Antigua Barbuda Initiative to construct homes on the lands made available to them.

We are confident that these initiatives will yield tremendous benefits for contractors, hardware stores, and construction workers. Extrated from the budget  for 2012

In the Daily Observer Newspaper dated November 29, 2011, Ms. Mary John wrote an article that is very misleading and uninformed.  Ms. John began by stating that vendors have erected structures in areas in total breach of the Building Code.  There is no-where in the Building Code that specifically addresses vendors’ booths and vending activities.

Secondly, she stated that absolutely nothing has been done about the vendors in breach of the law despite her numerous e-mail complaints to me.  At the time I had just began working at the Development Control Authority (DCA) under the headship of Mr. Denzil Solomon.  I explained to her that I was new on the job and not the DCA boss, and I could not take any action without my boss’ directive.  I thus instructed her to contact Mr. Solomon.  However despite this, she ignored my instructions and continued to send me e-mails.

What Ms. John fails to understand is that the DCA does not deal with vendors who ply their roadside trade from temporary stands and booths.  The DCA only gets involved if a vendor has erected a permanent structure without its permission.  I have been instructing the Building Inspectors at the DCA to investigate any permanent booths/structures that vendors have erected, to see whether or not they obtained DCA permission, and if not to take the appropriate actions of issuing DCA Notices etc.  For Ms. John to come out and say that the DCA is doing absolutely nothing about illegal vendors, without first speaking with anyone from this office is very wrong and myopic.  It should also be born in mind that Carnival vendors (such as in the “Los Vegas” area) are given permission to operate by the Carnival Development Committee and the vendors in St. John’ City are dealt with by the St. John’s Development Corporation.

Ms. John should also take note that vendors or anyone for that matter, leaving waste on the roadside, is not the responsibility of the DCA to deal with.  Such matters are handled by the Central Board of Health, the National Solid Waste Management Authority and the Police Force – through the Anti-litter Laws.  Further, vendors who vend in areas marked “No Vending – No Parking” and obstruct traffic by their activities are matters for the Police, not the DCA.

Ms. John seemed to have made it a point to mention, that the vendors she was complaining about are Dominican and Jamaican.  It should be made clear that the DCA does not go after persons just because they are of another nationality.

Ms. John said that she is sure that the vendors on Old Parham Road cannot produce documents from the DCA stating they are authorized to vend in the area. The question must be asked – did Ms. Mary John actually go and ask the vendors whether or not they have DCA authorization to vend, or is she simply speculating and being injurious?

Ms. John talked about vendors erecting booths in developed areas that devalued the surrounding properties.  Is Ms. John a property owner in these areas she speaks of, or is she just being a busy-body, involving herself in matters that do not concern her?  She further mentioned that the booths have caused Antigua to take on the look of a “ghetto town”.  These roadside Carnival-type booths have always been around Antigua as long as I can remember.  Though they are small, many of them are brightly painted and properly built and constitute part of our nation’s cultural landscape.  They are used by persons to earn an honest living and support their families, and are part of the quaint tropical ambiance that overseas visitors and tourists find fascinating and exotic.  Once vendors ensure that they have the proper approvals and permits to operate and that they keep their booths and surroundings looking attractive and clean, they should be allowed to continue plying their trade. 

Though I only assumed the position of Acting Chief Town and Country Planner in May 2011, and my office, the DCA, has had a deluge of issues to deal with, we will endeavour to ensure that only approved vendors are allowed to vend along our country’s streets and roads, in full accordance of laws of Antigua and Barbuda.

Frederick Southwell             Chief Town & Country Planner (Ag.)

Article published in the Daily Observer: Mary_John’s_inflammatory_and_misguided_article_Nov._29,_2011

NEMMA Manager

Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals for the post of  Manager for the North-East Marine Management Area (NEMMA). Prospective applicants should possess the following qualifications:

• Degree in Business Administration or related field
• A certificate and /or experience in Project Management would be an asset.
• At least 2 years experience in community mobilization facilitation, conflict resolution and project management.
• Desirability and suitability to work within the tourism and hospitality industry.
• Cognizant of the flexibility required as it pertains to work schedules and rigorous demands placed on personnel employed within the tourism and hospitality industry.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is required.
• Knowledge of the natural Environment and in particular, protected areas/natural resource management, socio-economic analysis and communication would be assets.
• Work experience within the marine environment would be an asset.

Manager, Urlings Fisheries Complexes (non-estabished):

Duties:

Overall supervision of the Urlings Fisheries, including plant maintenance, staff and other fisheries complex functions:

1. Ensure maintenance of the facilities and equipment and initiate replacement / upgrading of equipment as required.
2. Ensure that adequate records are kept of the daily functioning and of all maintenance work done to the equipment.
3. Ensure that all revenue fees are collected and the proper records of such are kept.
4. Ensure the cleanliness of the compound, building and equipment, the proper docking of boats and use of the slipways.
5. Ensure that adequate records are kept for quality assurance and control purposes;
6. Ensure security of the facility and its contents.
7. Supervise staff assigned to the complex. 
8. Assist the Chief Fisheries Officer with the assignment of duties and scheduling.  Establish and maintain good working relationships with staff members.
9. Assist Chief Fisheries Officer with setting guidelines for users of the complex and  ensuring that the users of the compound are in compliance with these guidelines;

10.  Look into the concerns of the tenants.

11.  Any other related duties that may be assigned to you from time to time.

Qualifications:

1. Should have some management experience.
2. Should possess a good knowledge of the English language (oral and written) and basic Maths.
3. Should be able to conduct very basic electrical, plumbing and carpentry maintenance work on the compound. (For example the changing of light bulb, replacing a screw when required, fixing a leaking tap, etc.)
4. Should be able to maintain equipment records (to ensure the proper functioning of the equipment), including climbing a ladder to have access to the equipment.
5. Having a vehicle would be an asset.

Assistant Quality Control Officer (Non-Established)

Ministry:                      Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and the Marine Environment

Department:                Fisheries Division

Position Title:              Assistant Quality Control Officer (Non-Established)

Salary:                         $32,424 per annum

Reports to:                  Chief Fisheries Officer

Effective Date:           January 2012  

Job Summary:             Would be required to work with the Fisheries Officer responsible for Quality Control of sea food products.  The work entails all that is necessary to ensure that seafood for the local and export markets meet all the criteria necessary to ensure a safe product for the consumer. Would be required to work closely with the fishers, the Central Board of Health, Bureau of Standards and the Department of Analytical Services.

Job Duties:

1. Assist with the coordination of efforts to improve seafood safety and quality assurance.
2. Assist with the inspection of seafood products and establishments for compliance to the sea food regulations;
3. Conducting organoleptic tests (secondary evaluation of sea food quality), and water quality test;
4. Developing and implementing an educational program for producers and consumers of seafood products;
5. Work with the managers of the fisheries complexes to ensure that they continue to meet international standards with respect to hygiene;
6. Assume responsibility for the proper upkeep and maintenance of records pertaining to seafood inspection (including water quality and organoleptic evaluation) as well as equipment assigned to you in the performance of your duties.
7. Assist in the development of value-added products to reduce importation of seafood products.

Specifications:            

•    At least five O’levels including chemistry and biology;
•    Experience in food safety and quality control
•    Experience in working in a lab would be an asset.

CRFM Secretariat, Belize City, December 20, 2011.Mr. Milton Haughton has taken over as the new Executive Director of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM).  Milton Haughton, a Jamaican national, replaces Hugh Saul of Guyana who retired on 16 December 2011. Dr. Susan Singh-Renton, a national of Trinidad and Tobago has also been appointed the new Deputy Executive Director.Mr. Haughton was educated at UWI, Mona and the University of Buckingham, England where he did undergraduate and postgraduate studies in marine sciences, fisheries, and general management; and London Metropolitan University, and the College of Law, London, where he studied law. 

 He has a wealth of experience in fisheries and aquaculture development and governance, coastal and marine resource conservation and management, public administration, project management, and law.

 Prior to his appointment as Executive Director, he worked with the CRFM as Deputy Executive Director for the past 7 years, as Scientific Director of the CFRAMP Project for 10 years, as Fisheries Development Officer, CARICOM Secretariat, Guyana for 2 years, and for 9 years as Fisheries Officer and Acting Director of the Fisheries Department, Jamaica, where he started his career in fisheries In 1981. Mr. Haughton also worked for a short time (18 months) in the private sector with Grace Kennedy and Company Ltd, Jamaica in marketing, trade, processing and harvesting of fish and seafood.

He has played a central role in the development and implementation of a number of regional projects including the $20 million Canadian funded CRFAMP project, the Fisheries Component of the EU Funded Integrated Caribbean Regional Fisheries and Agriculture Project, IDRC funded regional project of community-based coastal resource management in the Wider Caribbean, Japanese funded project for the development of a master plan for coastal fisheries development in the CARICOM States, the ACP Fish 1 and 2 Projects, and the GEF funded Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystems Project.

  Mr. Haughton has written and published extensively on fisheries and aquaculture, marine governance, marine environmental policy, and conservation. He has represented Jamaica and the region at several international and regional conferences including FAO/WECAFC, EU/ACP, United Nations, OLDEPESCA, Commonwealth, ACS, UNEP, WTO, CARICOM/Japan, CARICOM/Cuba and CARICOM/UN.

As Deputy Executive Director he was responsible for the technical and scientific work of the CRFM and has provided strategic leadership for the development and implementation of the CRFM Strategic and Medium Term Plans, the Castries Declaration on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, the Draft Agreement on the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy, and several other research and capacity building initiatives of the CRFM. 

He has negotiated partnership agreements with  several international and regional organizations with an interest in fisheries in the region, including the International Ocean Institute, Dalhousie University; the United Nations University Fisheries Training Programme in Iceland; IOCARIBE/IOC/UNESCO; University of Florida Sea Grant; and NACA.Mr. Haughton’s stated vision is to ensure that the fisheries and aquaculture sector in the Caribbean is transformed and developed into a dynamic, profitable, internationally competitive, and environmentally sustainable sector capable of making enhanced contribution to the economic development and food and nutrition security of the countries of the region.Dr. Susan Singh-Renton, the new Deputy Executive Director, holds masters and doctorate degrees in fisheries biology from the University of Buckingham.

The research for her doctorate degree was completed while she was based at the UK’s Fisheries and Food’s Directorate of Fisheries Research Laboratory at Lowestoft in England during 1986-89. Dr. Singh-Renton also brings to the position over 19 years of work experience in fisheries research and management, during which she has contributed expertise at all stages within the fisheries management framework, from the level of statistics and information to the level of policy analysis and advice. In 2003, Dr. Singh-Renton became Programme Manager responsible for Research and Resource Assessment at the CRFM. In this capacity, she has served as the lead planner and co-ordinator for CRFM’s annual scientific meetings.

 These meetings conduct fishery assessments and produce scientific-based management advice on a routine basis, and address capacity building needs. The CRFM has gained international recognition for the work of its annual scientific meetings. To further strengthen CRFM’s scientific capacity, Dr. Singh-Renton has recently collaborated closely with one of CRFM’s international partners, the United Nations University – Fisheries Training Programme in Iceland, for the purpose of developing a Caribbean-customized regional training course in fish stock assessment.  She has consistently contributed to CRFM’s strategic planning process, the formulation of regional project proposals for the international donor community to address priority policy and management issues, and multi-disciplinary deliberations for the formulation of CARICOM’s Common Fisheries Policy.   

      Since 1992, Dr. Singh-Renton has been the scientific advisor to CARICOM countries on matters handled by the International Commission for Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), which is the regional fisheries management organization for these species in this part of the world. And for the past twelve years, she has also been the regional policy and management advisor and analyst on ICCAT.

In this capacity, Dr. Singh-Renton has successfully assisted CRFM States to overcome a number of major challenges, such as illegal fishing allegations, trade sanctions, and catch quota negotiations. As the Deputy Executive Director of the CRFM Secretariat, Dr. Singh-Renton will continue her efforts to build the capacity of the CRFM to successfully deliver its mandate. She also seeks to improve the profile of the fishing industry in the region, by increasing understanding of the value of the industry, and realization of this value in real benefits for the societies concerned.The CRFM is a regional fisheries body established in 2002 by CARICOM governments to coordinate and promote sustainable development and management of the fisheries and aquaculture resources and marine ecosystems of the region.Contact: crfm@btl.net

Press Release, St. Johns –Antigua:  Food Security, value added, funding and post disaster restoration of farmers’ seed supply were among the areas of advancement touted  during an accountability seminar, Tuesday 6^th December 2011, when  the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), held its annual Open Day at the Fisheries Complex.

Dr. Gregory Robins, OECS Technical Coordinator at Caribbean Agriculture Research Institute (CARDI), explained that the regional body has intensified its program in critical areas to ensure the sustainably of food security.  This process, according to Dr. Robins is being facilitated through a planned production system utilizing the approach of technology based Research and Development co-ordination.

Sweet potatoes, cassavas, corns, pumpkins, squash, and hot peppers are among the varieties identified to boost the prospects of food security and ten varieties of sweet potatoes are currently being experimented. They were planted quarterly, in three zones at Betty’s Hope, Green Castle and Cades Bay, respectively.

They are Blackrock (A1),  Hurricane (A2),  Catch Me (A3),  Fine Num (A4),  Tremont (A5), Mandela (A6),  White Drill (A7),  King Crown (A8),  1987 (A9) and  CRO2 (A10), the marketable yields in Green Castle and Cades Bay were constant despite the planting period.

Response to Disasters – Food Security

Data suggests that CARDI contributed  to the production of 60 acre of Corn with an expected yield of 720,000 lbs of Green Corn, generated at farm gate price of EC$1,440,000.00 over the five year period.

Table Squash

As it relates to the Local Table Squash seed production CARDI continues to select, maintain and re-produce seed material of the local table squash for the farming community.

The quantity of Table squash seed supplied on the local market implied that the CARDI Antigua unit contributed to the production of 14 acres of Table Squash with an expected yield of 168,000 lbs of Table Squash , generated at farm gate price of EC $420,000 over the five year period.

CARICOM/Japan Project

Meanwhile, more than US$ 100, 000 will be expended in three phases under the CARICOM/Japan projects to undertake post-disaster restoration of farmer’s seed supply in small island member countries of the Caribbean communities. Antigua & Barbuda, St. Lucia and Barbados are among the countries named as beneficiaries.

For phase 1 and 11, approximately USD $ 40,000 and USD $ 51,250 will be spent respectively for post-disaster restoration of farmers seed supply in small island member countries of the Caribbean community, while another  USD $ 20,000 is earmarked for the increasing of  sweet potato production for value added processing.

The Inter-American Institute For Corporation on Agriculture (IICA) and CARDI have also forged co-operative agreements to undertake other food security initiative.

In the area of sweet potato, USD$ 10,000 was allocated for variety, time of planting zonal experiment; USD $10, 000 for cost effectiveness of irrigation, and another USD $ 10,000 for characterization of accessions.                      

Also, an additional USD $30,000 was spent to boost the production of Commercial Hot Pepper.

Twenty –five thousand United States Dollars, USD$ 25,000, is also on the cards for the introduction of improved high yielding cassava varieties and the adoption of validated production, value added and marketing systems.

-Agriculture P.R. onika.campbell@gmail.com