Building a Water-Secure Future: Graduates Celebrate Completion of Agriculture Irrigation Technology Training in Antigua by Tyreke Thomas-Horsford
The Agriculture Water-Saving Irrigation Technology Training Programme officially concluded with a grand closing ceremony held at the Villa Community and Conference Centre.
The event marked the successful completion of a three-week intensive training of over eighty participants and was designed to enhance local expertise in sustainable agricultural practices and efficient water management.
The initiative was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy (MOAFLBE) in collaboration with the Yuan Longping High Tech Agriculture Company and supported by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Antigua and Barbuda.
Mrs. Maudvere Bradford, Chair of the Local Management Committee for the Chinese Bilateral Agreement, extended a hearty welcome and introduced the master of ceremony, Mr. Adriel Thibou/Senior Forestry Officer. After rendering his opening remarks the National Anthems of Antigua and Barbuda and the People’s Republic of China were played then followed by a video presentation highlighting the work of the Yuan Longping High Tech Agriculture Company and the training.
The Feature Address was delivered by His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda. His Excellency was accompanied by Lady Williams, and in his remarks, Sir Williams applauded the participants for their dedication and passion toward advancing local agriculture, noting that the knowledge gained through the training would play a vital role in strengthening food security and national resilience. “Water-saving irrigation technologies are not just tools of efficiency; they are instruments of resilience. Every drop saved contributes to a stronger, more food-secure nation,” His Excellency stated. He emphasized that small island states like Antigua and Barbuda must adopt such innovations to address the growing impacts of climate change and water scarcity. Sir Williams also expressed appreciation to the Government and People of the People’s Republic of China for their longstanding partnership in agricultural development, highlighting that cooperation between both nations continues to yield tangible results in education, technology, and food production.
Delivering brief remarks, Mr. Walter Christopher, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, congratulated participants on successfully completing the programme, which began on October 16, 2025. He noted that the training aligned with the Government’s national policies focused on efficient water use at the farm level and complemented other ongoing initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, dam construction, and soil and water conservation. “Through classroom lectures, practical sessions, and site visits, participants explored cutting-edge technologies and shared valuable experiences,” Mr. Christopher said. “The true test of this seminar will not be confined to this room but in how the knowledge gained is translated into tangible actions on your farms and in your backyard gardens.” He urged participants to apply the ideas and techniques they acquired to ensure sustainable agricultural development, and extended appreciation to the facilitators, sponsors, and supporting agencies, including the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) for the use of the Crabbs Training Area as a demonstration site. He also recognized the participation of the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, and other regional stakeholders.
Additional remarks were delivered by Professor Chen Xiaoliang, Training Coordinator of the programme, who presented an overview of the training outcomes, and Madam Chang Yun, Honorary Consular and Director of Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. Both speakers underscored the value of continued collaboration between China and Antigua and Barbuda in advancing modern, sustainable farming practices.
The audience also heard reflections from participants Ms. Roseann Pile, Mr. Laurent Amsterdam, and Mr. Dexter Bristol, who shared their appreciation for the practical and technical lessons learned during the seminar. A special highlight of the event came from Ms. Victoria Skepple, a 14-year-old student of the Antigua Girls’ High School and the youngest participant, who delivered a moving poem on the importance of irrigation and sustainable water management.
Following the speeches, the participants present received certificates of completion presented by Mrs. Anika Browne, Professor Chen Xiaoliang, Madam Chang Yun, and Permanent Secretary Walter Christopher. Tokens of appreciation were also presented to the trainers and key contributors, including Professor Chen Xiaoliang, Professor Yang Feng, and Interpreter Ms. Camille, recognizing their exceptional guidance throughout the training.
The ceremony featured cultural performances and concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Mrs. Bakesha Francis-James, after which attendees gathered for a group photo session and farewell luncheon.
The Agriculture Water-Saving Irrigation Technology Training Programme brought together a diverse group of farmers, technicians, educators, and ministry officials, united in their mission to enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s capacity in sustainable water and soil management. The event served not only as a celebration of knowledge and collaboration but as a reaffirmation of the nation’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and agricultural sustainability.