IICA MEETS WITH NGOs by carol-Faye Bynoe-George

One of the meetings held by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA) representatives during their impromptu visit to Antigua and Barbuda was with the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).  The aftermath of their meeting with the Minister, the Permanent Secretary, the Director and departmental heads of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, the IICA trio consisting of Mr.  Greg Rawlins, Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim and Dr. Curt Delise met with representatives from the Beekeepers’ Cooperative, the Rural Women Agri-group, the Antigua and Barbuda Layers Association and the new reinstated Antigua and Barbuda Agriculture Forum for Youths (ABAFY).

The session commenced with a synopsis about IICA and the purpose of the visit done by Mr. Craig Thomas/IICA National Specialist.  This was followed by introductions done by all present. Matters discussed were pertaining to the current status of each association, technical support, resources, funding availability, cohesiveness amongst association’s membership and collaboration between NGO, government, other stakeholders and organizations such as IICA, GEF and CARDI.  It was expressed by the IICA’s experts that the ways forward would involve more synergized approach with each entity proactively doing its part in order achieve the desired and tangible goals for the nation and more so the Caribbean region.

During this consultation the attendees were assured by the IICA’s representatives of the organization’s mandate and pledge to continue support and assist through various avenues which includes technical training, advisory guidance and source funding agencies for implementation of projects that would enhance food security, create more employment and businesses.

Representatives for the NGOs were:

Beekeeping Cooperative was Mrs. Davina Joyce/President

Rural Women Group was Dr. Saran King/President,

Antigua and Barbuda Layers Association was Mr. Adrian Hall

ABAFY were Mr. Michael Joseph/President and Carol-Faye Bynoe-George/Advisor

The attendees all indicated their association’s commitment and interest in achieving the nation’s common goals.