A Picture Story of Community Development Citizen Engagement Division (CDCED) HORTICULTURE WORKSHOP held at the Department of Environment and facilitated by Mr. Janeil Simon/ DOE Nursery Manager.
Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance Workshop by Shenequia Williams and Brent Simon
Today, the Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center (GARD Center) hosted a crucial workshop on Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI), aimed at addressing the vulnerabilities of farmers and fisherfolk to natural disasters and economic shocks. Held at the Fisheries Complex starting at 9:45 A.M, the session welcomed stakeholders from across sectors, including government representatives, insurance providers, and members from fishing and farming communities.
Although the consultation was a similar to the one held in March, this one had mainly fisherfolk unlike the previous one which had mainly farmers. The participants were encouraged to remain open-minded and to actively engage. Mrs. Angela Ephraim/Senior Administrative Assistant for GARDC, in her welcome and opening remarks assured attendees that unanswered questions would be addressed in follow-up communications.
Carol-Faye Bynoe-George/Head of Communications for the Ministry of Agriculture was the moderator of the workshop and highlighted the Ministry of Agriculture’s full support for the GARDC and assured the ministry’s endorsement of the CDRFI initiative. She acknowledged GARD Center’s leadership and longstanding partnership with the ministry, emphasizing the urgency of establishing sustainable insurance solutions for farmers and fishers. “We are closer to our goal of getting effective insurance coverage for our fisherfolk and farmers,” said Bynoe-George, praising GARD for stepping up to lead the effort.
The first presentation was delivered by Mr. Ogden Browne of Sagicor, who underscored the importance of financial planning, discipline, and sacrifice in securing personal and family well-being. Browne shared a personal story about how pre-arranged life insurance policies helped his family handle the unexpected loss of both parents just 11 days apart. “From the day we are born, we are one day closer to death,” he said. “If we don’t put things in place, we risk leaving our families in financial turmoil.” Mr. Browne’s message is to proactively secure insurance policies, especially in high-risk sectors like agriculture and fishing.
Another main presenter at this forum was Mr. Christon Herbert representing the CPDC. In his presentation he disclosed important information pertaining to the work and grounds covered thus far in obtaining adequate coverage. Additionally, he explained the types of insurance coverages are available and the differences in the coverages they offer. Other presentations were done by Mr. Delbert Baptiste of ABI Insurance and Mr. Junior Greene of CARDI.
The concerns of the fishing community were particularly pointed out. Several fisherfolk voiced their frustration that despite years of fishing and ownership of expensive equipment, they still lack access to reliable insurance coverage for their boats, gear, and livelihoods. One participant from the fishing community noted, “It is inconceivable that I own a fishing vessel which has built me a house and bought me a car, both of which are insured and most times I pay the premiums with monies I earn from the boat, you mean to tell me in 2025, I still can’t get marine insurance in Antigua? It’s like we’re invisible!”
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the high-risk classification of fishing by insurance companies. This deters insurers from offering affordable premiums and deters fisherfolk from even attempting to pursue coverage. The discussion also touched on the role of fisher cooperatives and their ability (or lack thereof) to advocate for group coverage. Some participants admitted to being part of the co-op but lacked the information or influence to initiate formal negotiations with insurance companies.
The fishermen, however, were not only engaged in the discourse but also brought a draft policy proposal, which was presented to the insurers present for their review and hopefully, approval. The Safe Catch Fisher Insurance – Pilot Program Proposal, was well received by those present and assurances were made by the insurance representatives that they would forward the proposal to their relative boards. It is anticipated that both entities will meet shortly to negotiate policies and premiums that would be beneficial for both sides.
The session closed with calls for unity among fisherfolk and farmers, encouraging them to organize and demand tailored insurance products that reflect their unique needs. Insurance representatives acknowledged the complexity of the sector but urged the community to bring structured proposals and demonstrate cohesion in order to negotiate effectively. “Insurance companies are risk-averse by nature,” one attendee commented. “But when we show that we’re organized and understand what we need, we strengthen our case.”
The CDRFI workshop served as both an informative session, highlighting the urgent need for accessible, and hopefully affordable insurance for farmers and fisherfolk. It also underscored the power of shared experience and collective advocacy in driving systemic change. As one participant aptly concluded, “This isn’t just about paperwork or premiums — it’s about protecting livelihoods, families, and futures.”
CDCED IN COLLABORATION WITH MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE HOSTED FIRST 2025 WORKSHOP by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George
The Community Development and Citizens Engagement Division (CDCED) held its first of its 2025 Community Gardens and Homes Festival workshop on Tuesday 13th at the Multipurpose Centre. This session was the first of a series of four and trainings are offered in Pest Management, Horticulture, Backyard Gardening and Hydroponics. This year, the CDCED is offering two classroom type trainings which will be on Pest Control and Backyard gardening both to be held at the Multipurpose Centre and two practical, one at the Department of the Environment and the other at Indies Green.
Dr. Janil Gore-Francis/Chief Plant Protection Officer was the facilitator for the Pest Control Workshop and her presentation was mainly addressing the regulations that govern the importation and exportation processes. She expounded on the obligations that Antigua and Barbuda has being members and signatory to several international agreements and what the expectations were.
Additionally, Dr. Gore-Francis explained the importance of International Plant Health Day (IPHD) and the concept of the 2025 theme in regard to “The Importance of Plant Health in ONE Health”. She further reiterated the necessity to cooperate and follow the regulations put in place by the government pertaining to the mitigation and control of pests on the twin island nation.
Some other information disseminated at this forum included the methodologies used in pest prevention and eradication, introduction of some pest into the region due to several causes and other pertinent information of the sector.
Those in attendance were enlightened by the information shared. Miss Dale O’Brien/CDCED Director and staff members present were pleased with the interactions of the attendees but hope that the remaining training with will be better attended. The next workshop is scheduled for Thursday 15th May and will be held at the Department of Environment’s nursery commencing from 5:00p.m.
CDRFI COMMUNITY SESSION
International Plant Health Day 2025: Cultivating Good Health by Brent Simon & Carol-Faye Bynoe-George
As the world marks International Plant Health Day (IPHD), we are reminded by the 2025 theme “The Importance of Plant Health in One Health” that plants are more than just the foundation of ecosystems—they are the bedrock of food systems but also play a larger role in our good health, and national resilience. Further, the theme emphasizesthe interconnectivity that plants health with human, animal and environmental well-being.
For small island developing states like Antigua and Barbuda, this observance underscores the urgent need to ensure the good health of plants through smarter, more sustainable use of plant resources. We as a small nation must remain vigilant on protecting plants for environmental stability, food security and our health.
In addition to Food Security, we realized that Food Sovereignty is the right of people to define their own food systems, prioritizing local agricultural production and culturally appropriate crops. It goes beyond food security—it is about autonomy, sustainability, and economic empowerment. As global supply chains become increasingly fragile, the capacity to grow what we eat, process what we produce, and reduce dependency on imports becomes not just strategic, but essential.
Across Antigua and Barbuda, efforts are already underway to shift the narrative. From climate-smart farming techniques to increased investment in local seed varieties and water-saving technologies, the agricultural sector is steadily positioning itself as a driver of innovation and resilience. These actions not only support national food production—they also restore confidence in traditional crops and local knowledge systems that have sustained our communities for generations.
While food remains at the heart of this agenda, we must also acknowledge the expanding role of medicinal plants within a modern agricultural framework. The controlled and research-backed cultivation of medical cannabis offers a new avenue for diversification—supporting livelihoods, research opportunities, and the broader health sector. While not the focus of today’s observance, it is a reminder that the power of plants extends well beyond the plate.
International Plant Health Day (IPHD) is not simply about celebrating flora—it is a moment to reflect on how strategic plant use can support broader national development goals. It is a call to invest in policies, partnerships, and people that prioritize local production, strengthen rural economies, and safeguard our natural resources. In reclaiming control over our food systems and renewing our relationship with the land, we affirm a deeper kind of independence—one rooted not just in heritage, but in a more secure and self-reliant future.
World Poultry Day by Shenequa Williams & Carol-Faye Bynoe-George
Every year on May 10th, the global community recognizes World Poultry Day, a moment to appreciate the crucial role poultry plays in food security, nutrition, and economic resilience. In Antigua and Barbuda, this day resonates strongly, as we continue our determined push to revitalize and strengthen our poultry industry, a vital component of our agricultural future.
The 2025 theme, “Embracing Innovation for Sustainable Poultry Production,” could not be timelier. With rising global food costs and a growing need for local food sovereignty, Antigua and Barbuda are placing renewed focus on transforming poultry farming into a viable, self-reliant, and profitable industry.
In response to the mounting challenges facing poultry farmers—including high feed costs, outdated infrastructure, and import competition, the Ministry of Agriculture has spearheaded several strategic consultations.
Earlier this year, the ministry held a comprehensive series of meetings with local poultry farmers to address egg pricing and production challenges. The goal was simple but urgent: make local eggs more affordable and competitive without sacrificing the livelihoods of small and medium-scale farmers.
Among the recommendations emerging from these discussions were:
- Feed subsidies to reduce overhead costs.
- Branding and marketing campaigns to promote “Fresh Antigua Eggs” as a premium, local choice.
- Technical support and training to enhance biosecurity and production efficiency.
- Infrastructure upgrades, such as automated water systems and improved housing for layer birds.
These consultations mark a turning point in how the government collaborates with farmers, not just regulating, but listening, engaging, and co-creating solutions. Farmers expressed deep appreciation for the direct, practical focus of the seminar. For many, it was an eye-opening experience, revealing how even minor changes in lighting, temperature, or feed timing can significantly improve egg yield and bird health.
One of the standout initiatives supporting this new wave of innovation was the Poultry Seminar co-hosted by the ministry with the Bajan company Pinnacle Feeds in Antigua. This seminar brought together poultry farmers, feed experts, veterinarians, and agricultural officers for a knowledge-rich session aimed at improving poultry farm performance. This seminar demonstrated to the participants the differences of using the feed manufactured by Pinnacle Feeds, these observations included larger eggs with harder shells and brighter colour yolk, faster growth and antibiotic free birds.
While Antigua and Barbuda still faces hurdles in scaling up its poultry sector, the momentum is unmistakable. With government’s continued support and private sector involvement. The next step and new development involve creating a hatchery with the hope that this new initiative would minimize or eliminate the importation of chicks, this it is anticipated should take the poultry sector to a higher level of efficiency and productivity.
As we celebrate World Poultry Day 2025, it’s clear that we are not simply observing a global tradition; we are living it, reshaping our food systems in real time. By empowering farmers, embracing innovation, and investing in home-grown solutions, the nation is building a poultry industry that is resilient, sustainable, and proudly local.
World Tuna Day: We’re Not Catching the Opportunity by Brent Simon
We’re sleeping on one of the Caribbean’s biggest opportunities – tuna.
Today – May 2nd, World Tuna Day, while other regions scramble to save their overfished tuna stocks, here in the Eastern Caribbean, tuna remain severely under fished. That’s not just a fact – it’s a missed opportunity, and a potential game-changer for our underdeveloped fishing sector.
Yellowfin, skipjack, bigeye – these tuna species migrate through our open water year-round, largely untouched. With global tuna demand still soaring and consumers shifting toward high-protein, low-fat seafood, our fishers are practically sailing over money, but most remain focused on reef fish, lobster, or pot fish – because that’s what we’ve always done. It’s time to rethink the way we approach marine harvesting.
Why aren’t we catching more? – it’s about access, training, and market links. Tuna fishing requires different gear, different strategies, and a shift in mindset. Most of our small-scale fishers aren’t equipped for pelagic fishing, and there’s little incentive without proper buyers or cold storage.
But the blue print is right there:
- Targeting migratory tuna stocks can reduce pressure on our reefs and give fishers access to higher-value catches.
- Investment in ice plants, processing facilities, and export chains can open up premium markets – especially for sashimi-grade yellowfin.
- Training and tech support can help fishers safely transition to long-lining and FAD-based (fish aggregating device) strategies.
If we play this right, we’re not just talking food security – -we’re talking industry transformation. More tuna fishing means more jobs, more exports, and more resilience against climate shocks and market dips. It means building a blue economy that’s smarter, not just bigger.
World Tuna Day shouldn’t be another lip-service date. It should be a rallying cry. The tuna is here. The demand is global, and the industry is open.
So, let’s stop watching others cash in and start fishing for a better future.
Still on Track: Cades Bay Pineapple Station Continues Rehab Project by Brent Simon
Today 29th April 2025, the Cades Bay Pineapple Station completed the planting of the second batch of Antigua Black Pineapple plantlets. This marks a crucial step in preserving and expanding the twin island’s most prized fruit ICON.
Agricultural team planted 5,000 suckers at the government-operated station, bringing the total number of Antigua Black plants in the ground to 10,000, for the current cultivation phase.
“This batch is showing even stronger growth potential than our previous planting six weeks ago,” said Cades Bay Station Manager Mr. Jamel Ralph, referencing the initial 5,000 plants that achieved a remarkable 99% survival rate. “We have fine-tuned our approach with better fertilizers and pest management, so we’re expecting even better results with this batch.
An additional 5,000 plants – including 1,000 already on-site and 4,000 soon to arrive – will complete the 15,000 plant first phase of the project by mid-2025.
The Antigua and Black Pineapple, celebrated for its uniquely sweet, low-acid flavor, requires careful propagation to maintain its genetic integrity. After early tissue culture efforts showed signs of unwanted variation after numerous duplications, the station sourced fresh traditional suckers from local farmers to continue the process with a clean sample.
“We noticed some off-type material when we relied too heavily on lab-propagation,” explained Mr. Bradbury Browne – Project Consultant. “Now we are working directly with Antiguan growers to collect the best specimens and ensure we’re preserving the true Black Pineapple lineage. Samples from these plants will undergo DNA characterization later this year to verify their authenticity.
The station has secured an additional 25,000 tissue culture plants, set to arrive in batches of 5,000 starting in August or September. A newly prepared acre at Cades Bay will accommodates this expansion.
“By the end of the year, we should have well over 20, 000 plants in production,” Browne confirmed. “This puts us on track to not only preserve the Antigua Black Pineapple but also increase commercial supply for local and international markets.”
With its rich history and premium taste, the Antigua Black Pineapple remains a point of national pride. The cades Bay Pineapple Station efforts ensure that this iconic fruit will continue thriving for generations – while creating new opportunities for farmers and exporters alike.
Green is the New Gold: ABMCA’s Wadadli Cannabis Festival Redefines the Industry in the Region by Brent Simon
From forbidden herb to national pride, the Caribbean’s cannabis narrative is being rewritten- and Antigua and Barbuda is holding the pen.
In a landmark celebration of culture, cultivation, and consciousness, Antigua and Barbuda made regional history with the 2025 Wadadli Cannabis Festival – a multiday showcase of the island’s rising cannabis industry, traditional heritage, and progressive vision.
Held under the leadership of Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority (ABMCA) and strongly supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, the festival fused agriculture, music, and community into a singular, powerful message: Cannabis is no longer contraband – it’s currency, culture, and cure.
For generations, cannabis in the Caribbean was criminalized under colonial era laws – a plant demonized while foreign pharmaceuticals dominated local markets. In Antigua, these inherited policies choked off indigenous healing practices and criminalized farmers who dares to cultivate what they knew could heal. But in 2025, those chains were finally broken.
Minister of Agriculture Hon. Anthony Smith Jr. widely regarded as one of the most forward-thinking public officials in the region, has taken bold steps to transform the cannabis narrative – not with vague promises but with visible tangible action. At the heart of the festival, Minister Smith personally presented awards to the winners in the first government sanctioned Cannabis Cup, signaling strong political support and setting the stage for a thriving, regulated cannabis industry.
The Wadadli Cannabis Cup drew cultivators from across the island, each submitting their best indoor and outdoor strains for scientific testing and community evaluation. The results were nothing short of excellent.
At the center of the competitions, energy stood Avery Richards, a respected Rasta Elder whose participation in the Wadadli cannabis Cup was nothing short of dominance. Richards swept the entire outdoor category, taking with strains that not only boasted sky-high THC levels but also rich, complex terpene profiles that impressed both the judges and public.
- 1st place: Wadadli Crunk – THC 27.54 %, Terpenes 1.8 %,
- 2nd place: Green Cheese – THC 26.39 %, Terpenes 1.9 %
- 3rd place: I Fruit – THC 24.53 %, Terpenes 2.1 %
His triple-win wasn’t just about growing plants – it was a lifetime of knowledge, spiritual connection, and traditional cultivation practices coming full circle. As he exited the stage after accepting his trophies, fellow growers gathered around him in a moment of genuine respect and celebration, recognizing that the victory was a win for every farmer who had nurtured the plant long before it was legally acknowledged. His success underscored the deep roots of cannabis culture in Antigua – -roots that no law could erase, and that now, finally are recognized.
In the indoor category, the competition was fierce but saw standout performances from Vitilio Pena and Dwayne Paul. Pena took first and third place showcasing his seriousness about indoor cultivation with Dwayne Paul preventing a clean sweep of the indoor category with one of his potent strains.
- 1st place: Platinums – THC 24.10 %, Terpenes 1.5 %,
- 2nd place: Candy Elevation – THC 23.98 %, Terpenes 1.7 %
- 3rd place: Runts – THC 24.53 %, Terpenes 1.6 %
The indoor category showed just how far Antigua and Barbuda’s cannabis Industry is evolving. Indoor cultivation allows growers to precisely control temperature, humidity, light cycles, and pest exposure – all critical factors when producing consistent, high quality cannabis for medical use. This level of precision is essential for meeting the strict standards expected in the medicinal market, where patients rely on predictable cannabinoid and terpene profiles for treatment. By dominating the indoor category, growers like Mr. Vitilio Pena and Mr. Dwayne Paul proved that Antigua and Barbuda is not just growing cannabis – it’s growing it to a standard that can stand alongside global medical markets. Their success signals a serious leap forward for the islands ambitions in the medical cannabis space.
However, the Cannabis Festival wasn’t all about THC percentages and Terpene profiles. The event’s Culture Day offered a deeper dive into our national identity, featuring an Agri – Expo, traditional food stalls, and a fiercely contested domino tournament.
This PULL-A-RAMA, organized by Ms. Carol–Faye Bynoe-George – President of Antigua and Barbuda National Domino Association (ABNDA), was contested by over thirty players, with the youngest contestant a 13-year-old, winning second place. When the night was over the final results were:
- 1st place: Keith Johannes – 1 Flat Screen Television
- 2nd place: Kimani Skepple – 1 Microwave Oven
- 3rd place: Renfield Davis – 1 Air Fryer
- A consolation prize of a Blender was awarded to Windon Graham.
Day transitioned into night, with prayers and chanting around the warmth of a bonfire, led by the Nya Bhingi Drummers and the event was brought to a close with a mini-concert featuring the Jamaican roots reggae artiste Chezideck.
Known for his conscious lyrics and Rastafarian messages Chezideck lit the stage with hits like “Leave de Trees” and “Call Pon Dem”, in a performance that felt less like a concert than a blessing. His message – protect the earth, know your roots, and stand for truth – resonated deeply with the particular crowd and moment.
The festival wrapped up on Sunday April 20th with a praise and thanksgiving ceremony held at the Nya Bhingi Temple at Ras Freeman located in Table Hill Gordon – Liberta where the spiritual significance of the bond between Rastafari, cannabis and community was honored by those present.
With strong leadership, popular support, and a growing framework of regulation and opportunity, Antigua and Barbuda is fast becoming a model for cannabis development in the Caribbean.
Minister Smith’s vision is clear: cannabis is not a threat – it is a tool for food sovereignty, medical advancement, economic diversification and national pride. The Wadadli Cannabis Festival didn’t just celebrate a plant: it celebrated a people reclaiming what was always theirs.
The seeds of progress have been planted. The world is watching – and – Antigua is ready to grow.
World Veterinary Day by Shenequa Williams and Carol-Faye Bynoe-George
World Veterinary Day is observed annually on the last Saturday of April to honour the vital contributions of veterinary professionals to animal health, public health, and environmental well-being. In 2025, it falls on April 26, with the theme “Animal Health Takes a Team,” emphasizing the collaborative nature of veterinary practice.
This year’s theme highlights that effective veterinary care relies on the combined efforts of various professionals, including veterinarians, veterinary nurses, technicians, researchers, and allied health workers. It underscores the importance of teamwork in ensuring optimal animal health and welfare.
In Antigua and Barbuda, Veterinary & Livestock Division staff within the Ministry of Agriculture oversees animal health programs, including disease surveillance, import/export regulations, and public education on animal care. The Veterinarians both in the government and private sectors of this country play a crucial role in maintaining the health of livestock, pets, and wildlife. As these professionals work tirelessly, they must be commended for their contribution towards food security, animal and public health.
While other places organize specific events for World Veterinary Day in Antigua and Barbuda, every day is considered veterinary day as there is need for more veterinarians, the few on island are on “call” and work tirelessly on a daily basis. However, past observances have included public outreach campaigns, educational seminars, and community service activities such as Spay/Neuter clinics. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about the importance of veterinary medicine, animal control and encourage responsible pet ownership.
World Veterinary Day 2025 serves as an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication of veterinary professionals around the world and in Antigua and Barbuda. We salute ALL the workers world over in the veterinary realm for we are mindful that their essential work in promoting health, preventing diseases and protect ecosystems is vital to the sustainability and resilience of our communities.
