CARDI VISIT TO MONTSERRAT by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

The Caribbean Agricultural Research Development Institute (CARDI)representative, Mr. Junior Greene journeyed to Montserrat from 28th August to 1st September.  During this trip, he met with Dr. Selwyn Maloney, the Director of Agriculture and Dr. Ronette Bowen, Chief Veterinarian to discuss and finalize the upcoming Artificial Insemination (A.I.) workshop for small ruminant and pigs.  This workshop will be conducted by Dr. Gabriel Young from Jamaica and would be available for technicians within the Ministry of Agriculture and the Montserrat livestock farmers.

“Through this activity, we hope to improve the genetic stock of the animals on the island, thus increasing the quality of meats and the performance of these animals. The people of Montserrat requested improvement in the Boer, Nubian, and Savanna goat, and the Dorper sheep population. This is expected to increase pork production through A.I., from Large white, Landrace, and Duroc breeds” explained Mr. Greene.

In addition to the meeting, CARDI donated planting materials of different grasses to the Montserrat Extension Division for the improvement of the pastures which would afford better forage and nourishment for the livestock there. Additionally, to assist in the rebuilding of the Pineapple industry some pineapple plants were also donated to  Honourable Crenston Buffonge/Minister of Agriculture.

Several visits were made to vegetable and livestock farms for the inspection of both crops and animals.  Some pheromones for the control of the Sweet Potato weevil (Cylas farmicarius) were donated to the sweet potato farmers, while hot pepper seeds were distributed to the other farmers and Mr. Easton Taylor-Farrell/Premier of Monserrat.