Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew planted a banana tree during the COVID-19 pandemic to promote a nutritional diet amongst citizens. This marked a significant step towards achieving food security and sustainability.
This is an important initiative in the eyes of the government, as medical authorities highlighted the benefits of a healthy and well-balanced diet in the fight against diseases.
PM Drew took to his official social media handle (Facebook) to share an update on his beautifully grown banana tree. “My banana trees planted during Covid lockdown continue to bear”, he added.
The prime minister of the twin-island federation has always been active in taking several measures to bolster the agricultural sector while reducing the food import bill.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources of St Kitts and Nevis will host Agriculture Open Day on April 25 and 26, 2024. The event will be organized under the theme “Securing our Future through Sustainable Agriculture by 2025 and Beyond” at the Royal Basseterre Valley National Park.
Registration is open to all citizens. Forms are available at several places in the country, such as the Department of Agriculture, Basseterre Public Market, Department of Marine Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, La Guerite and Building 16 Port Zande.
Such efforts of the government displayed their dedication and commitment to the development of the agriculture sector, which contributed to the overall development of the nation.
PM Drew revealed that the nation had allocated $18.5 million to the Agriculture Sector by way of strategic investments during his Budget Address for 2024 to meet the requirements of the CARICOM 25 by 25 Agenda.
He mentioned that such decisions have been made with the support of various stakeholders in the agriculture industry and other relevant sectors associated with it.
As the nation aims to move towards the fulfilment of its sustainable development goals, a capital expenditure of $9.4 million is proposed to facilitate the upcoming transition process. It focuses on achieving zero hunger, economic growth, decent work, responsible consumption and production and life below water.
The people around the nation lauded the efforts of PM Drew in contributing to agriculture for the well-being of the citizens.
“See this is what I’m talking about and there’s lot of people down there bawling instead of planting up their yard regardless of how small it is, a little something can go a long way”, quoted one.
“Nice. A small step towards food security. We can all play our little bit significant differences. Bless up”, commented another.
