ABAFY Inaugural Meeting: A New Chapter for Youth in Agriculture by Brent Simon and Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

The Antigua and Barbuda Agriculture Forum for Youth (ABAFY) officially launched on Tuesday 14th January held its inaugural meeting Thursday 30th January.  The meeting was held at the Agricultural Extension Division and was chaired by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George/MoA Head of Communications and member of the ABAFY Regeneration committee and the welcome remarks done by ABAFY first president, Mr. Craig Thomas/IICA national representative and member of the ABAFY Regeneration committee.

The meeting commenced with the presentation and formal acceptance of a revised constitution, the ABAFY constitution is a guiding document that defines the forum’s mission, vision and operational structure. The constitution also explains ABAFY’s connection to the Caribbean Agriculture Youth Forum (CAFY) and its commitment to sustainable agriculture in Antigua and Barbuda.

This inaugural meeting was a milestone that solidifies the forum’s role in advancing youth involvement in agriculture. Held with the participation of young agriculturalist, farmers and Ministry of Agriculture representatives, focused on establishing ABAFY’s governance and setting the stage for future initiatives.

The main focus of the event was the election of the 2025 ABAFY Executive, conducted via secret ballot votes, to ensure a fair and transparent selection process. However, prior to the voting exercise each nominated candidate had to deliver a synopsis on themselves and their interest in the agricultural industry.

By way of votes casted from the attendees the newly elected executive team was selected.  All positions with the exception of the two MoA representatives were vied for in the election.

2025 ABAFY Executive Members

  • Michael Joseph –    President
  • Jermon Williams –    Vice President
  • Shenequa Williams –     Secretary
  • Bianca Francis –    Treasurer
  • Janea White –     Assistant Secretary/Treasurer
  • Bernella Vidal –     Public Relations Officer
  • Tiffany Pryce –    Floor Representative
  • Victor Wade –    Ministry of Agriculture Representative
  • Adrian Bowen –     Ministry of Agriculture Representative

Congratulatory remarks to the newly elected was delivered by Ms. Anika Aska/Extension Officer (ag), a pioneer member of ABAFY IN 2001 and now serves on the ABAFY Regeneration Committee. The newly appointed executive will serve for a term of two years and lead the charge in advocating for young persons interested in every area of the sector, agricultural education, fostering skills development, and championing youth-driven innovation within the agricultural sector.

With leadership in place, the ABAFY is now well-positioned to empower young agriculturalist, facilitate networking opportunities, and play a key role in shaping policies that impact the sector. The forum’s establishment aligns with global, national and regional goals of food security, agricultural resilience, and sustainability.

As ABAFY embarks on this exciting journey, the enthusiasm and dedication of its members signal a promising future for the youth in agriculture. The 2025 executive is eager to hit the ground running, ensuring that young voices are heard and valued in shaping the agricultural landscape of Antigua and Barbuda.