Caribbean Institute for Metrology and Hydrology held first Face-to Face since 2019
The traditional ways in which we think of Agriculture is rapidly fading like an old memory. Going or gone are the days when One heard the word “Agriculture”, they would instantaneously associate it with soil and a lot of laborious work involved. Our forefathers depended on the moon and stars for guidance pertaining to conducive weather/climate, when to sow the seeds and to when harvesting should take place.
Now, our world is so advanced, we no longer need to do things by traditional methods that are often time-consuming. With advanced science and modern technology, our farmers have numerous options, some of which are Hydroponics or Aquaponics instead of tilling the soil.
Like every other contributing element of “Agriculture” the weather/climate has an integral part to play. However, with negative intrusions caused by Global Warming and Climate Change, our food growers need all the assistance that could be given to combat the negative effects and costly devastation that could occur. Food Security and Sovereignty are threatened and at high risk if not properly monitored and sustainably managed.
For more than two years due to COVID-19 the Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (cariCOF) met only virtually. The aim of CariCOF is to disseminate pertinent information of our climatic systems and these are on Temperature and Precipitation Outlook maps, Drought Outlook, Wet Days and Wet Spells Outlook and the Caribbean Climate Outlook Newsletter.
The Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (CMIH) held its first Face-to-Face 2022 Dry Season cariCOF in Barbados during the period of November 24th to 25th. The main objectives of the Meeting were to:
- To develop a revamp a prototype of the CariCOF Newsletter
- To have a Stakeholder Meeting
Representing Antigua and Barbuda were Orville Paige, Climatologist from the Meteorological Office and Marcelle Freeland, Liaison Officer for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs (MAFBA). Ms. Freeland has been attending this forum since 2018 which was held in Guyana.
During the meeting, it was disclosed that the prediction period for the upcoming Dry Season is December to May, however, some wet weather might be encountered in some parts of the region. For Antigua and Barbuda, it was suggested that both locally represented entities should collaborate to inform stakeholders of the forecasted season and any incumbent weather systems.
During one of the group activities, MAFAB’s Representative informed their counterparts of the regular stakeholders’ meetings which are held monthly, and important information is disseminated at those forums, on the Ministry’s website and Facebook page, via public announcements, press releases and via all media platforms possible. Additionally, it was also disclosed that MAFBA in conjunction with APUA formed a Water Committee and is fervently working to assist farmers with affordable solutions these are some of the things that were shared regarding a localized approach. “The meeting was very informative, and there was an exchange of some useful recommendations that would be inexpensive in the event that the prediction does materialize, for example, Minor alteration to planting and to the planting of certain types of crops.” Freeland explained. Antigua and Barbuda is very pleased for the opportunity to participate in this important forum. The participants range from Climatologists, Water Companies, Agriculture, and the Tourism sectors. Other countries represented were Barbados, Guyana, Montserrat, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago.
Photos compliments Caribbean Institute for Metrology and Climatology.