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.”

CDRFI COMMUNITY SESSION

Innovative Approaches to Catalyze the Delivery of Meso-Level Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance: Roundtable Discussion by Shenequa Williams & Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

Amid escalating climate risks that threaten the economic and social fabric of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean, key stakeholders gathered in Antigua and Barbuda for a two-day roundtable discussion. Today marked the first day of this intensive consultation, organized by the Gilbert Agricultural Rural Development Center (GARD Center) and the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC), which focused on pioneering finance and insurance solutions designed to mitigate climate and disaster risks at the meso-level. The consultation brought together representatives from vulnerable communities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and financial institutions. While the initiative aims to build climate resilience across Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, and Jamaica.

Caribbean nations are increasingly vulnerable to climate-related events that trigger sudden spikes in expenditure, erode revenue streams, and hamper essential services. Recognizing these challenges, the CPDC is spearheading efforts to build a comprehensive knowledge base on Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI). The overarching aim is to improve access to these financial mechanisms for civil society organizations and meso-level institutions, thereby enhancing the resilience of the region’s most vulnerable populations.

Day 1 Objectives Included:

1. Analyzing the Climate Risk Financing Environment
2. Presenting Initial Findings
3. Enhancing Product Understanding
4. Examining Existing CDRFI Products
5. Soliciting Participant Feedback

The proceedings began with opening remarks from Ms. June Jackson, Executive Director of the GARD Center. Ms. Jackson established the day’s protocols, emphasizing the importance of representation from government officials and project consultants to civil society and community partners. Her address set a collaborative tone, underscoring the need for meso-level solutions that integrate seamlessly with national and local insurance frameworks to support vulnerable communities.

Mrs. Gale Inhoff-Gordon, Director of the Ministry of Finance Project Management Unit, provided critical insights into the challenges faced by small island states. She highlighted that the region is particularly vulnerable to intensified hurricanes, shifting rainfall patterns, and rising sea level, all of which can lead to immediate revenue losses and unplanned emergency expenditures. Her remarks stressed that robust financial mechanisms, bridging both government policy-based insurance and private-sector initiatives, are essential to cushion the economic impacts of climate disasters.

Mr. Norense Iyayen, Project Consultant and CDRFI Lead Researcher, set the stage for a broader discussion by explaining the inherent risks associated with climate and disasters. He emphasized the indispensable role of finance and insurance in not only managing but also mitigating these risks. Mr. Iyayen presented best practices and global examples that demonstrated how tailored financial products can offer critical protection against the adverse impacts of climate-induced events. His presentation provided a strong framework for understanding the subsequent discussions on innovative financial mechanisms.

A highlight of the session was an in-depth discussion on the spectrum of insurance products and the potential for meso-level risk aggregation.

Day 2

The session continued but with much more interaction from the participants.  The attendees were divided into the three working groups.  They were asked to process the matters established from the previous day in constructive brainstorming then present their findings along with suggestions to address the same.

GARD Centre Launches GEF Funded Hydroponics Training Project to Boost Food Security by Brent Simon & Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

The Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center (GARDC) success fully launched its GEF Hydroponics Training Project, yesterday, 11 March,2025. This groundbreaking initiative is aimed at enhancing food security and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices in Antigua and Barbuda.

Funded through the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program (GEF SPG), of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the project – titled “Scaling up Local Food Security through a Network of Climate Smart Agricultural Systems” – focused on training and equipping individuals to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.

The project will provide hydroponics training to diverse groups across the island, including:

• Three rural secondary schools –

Glanville’s Secondary School, Pares Secondary School, and Trinity Academy – At least 50 students, teachers and farm attendants will be trained.

• Inmates at His Majesty’s Prison – with 10 participants benefitting from the program.
• Community members – particularly 20 women from local groups and churches, who will receive scholarships for training.

As part of the initiative, hydroponic systems will be constructed and installed at each participating school and His Majesty’s Prison, with assistance from teachers, supervisors, volunteers, and trainees. The local women who successfully complete the program will each reactive a start-up kit, which includes:

• A mini-hydroponics container
• An air pump
• Rockwool (a growing medium)
• Net cups

This practical support ensures that participants can immediately apply their knowledge and contribute to local food production.

Hydroponics – a method of growing plants without soil – offers sustainable solution to food production, especially in regions facing climate- related challenges such as drought and poor soil conditions. By introducing this technology at the school level and within vulnerable communities, the GARD Center aims to create a new generation of skilled agricultural practitioners who can drive food self-sufficiency in Antigua and Barbuda.

During the event several key figures delivered remarks, emphasizing the significance of the initiative:

• Mrs. June Jackson – Executive Director of GARD Center, provided an overview of the US$30 000 project’s purpose, the intentional impact on local food security and capacity building.
• Miss Letitia Lawrence/Principal of Pares Secondary School highlighted the importance of hands-on learning and how the training will prepare students for sustainable livelihoods and her expectation of those that were trained to be trainers of their younger counterparts.
• Mr. Rody Christopher/Principal of Glanville’s Secondary School, stated that, “This school is on the rise, committed to success through dedication and perseverance.” Additionally, He remarked that the school has been desirous of obtaining this equipment and training for a while now and was promised one which never materialized.  In closing he expressed gratitude to GARDC and GEF for facilitating the dream in becoming a reality.
• Miss Michaela Harris, Rehabilitation Assistant Coordinator at His Majesty’s Prison, was enthusiastic about the opportunities that such training would provide to persons returning to society from the confined environment. She said, “This training gives inmates, a second chance, an opportunity to break the cycle and become better men and women, and is a could be a major steppingstone to redefining themselves, while giving them employability and teaching them a pathway to contributing to society”
• Ms. Carol-Faye Bynoe-George, Head of Communications Unit represented the Ministry of Agriculture, in her remarks she reiterated the ministry’s commitment to supporting agricultural development, the importance of youth inclusion and emphasized that collaborative efforts are required from everyone in regard to Food Sovereignty and Security.
• Mrs. S. Natalya Lawrence/National Coordinator of GEF Small Grants Programme, acknowledged the project’s significance in Food Sovereignty/security, empowering youth and women, fostering climate resilience. She reiterated that GEF SGP, remains committed to assisting government, communal associations and other stakeholders in the fight to protect the nation and region from climate change impacts, fostering global climate resilience and achieving Food Security goals.

The event concluded with the vote of thanks by Mrs. Angela Ephraim/Principal of GARDC Training Facility after the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), symbolizing a commitment of furthering sustainable agriculture and community empowerment. The signed MOAs were individually signed by both principals with Mrs. Roberta Williams/Former GARDC Director co-signing as witness.

As the seeds of this initiative take root, stakeholders remain optimistic that the GARD Center’s efforts will lead to lasting positive change, ensuring a more food secure climate resilient future for Antigua and Barbuda.

PRESS RELEASE – GARDC LAUNCHES NEW INTIATIVE

GARD CENTER OFFERS COURSES TO HMS INMATES AND OTHERS by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

GARD CENTER OFFERS COURSES TO HMS INMATES AND OTHERS

The Gilbert Agricultural Rural Development Center well known as GARD Center or by the acronym GARDC, on Monday 10^th June launched a new project.  This project, directed by Mrs. Angela Ephraim involves the training of ten inmates along with two other participants in several areas.

Courses are expected to run from Mondays to Thursdays each week and it is anticipated that all of the participants will aim for 100% attendance to these classes.  Over the next five weeks the group of twelve consisting of ten males and two females once complete the courses will be certified in the following:

• Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices, Hydroponics, Crop Production, Budding/Grafting, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Beekeeping, Post-harvest technology;
• Basic Baking & Decorating, Food Preparation
• Life Skills, Customer Service
• Academics such as English Language and Math
• Business enterprise, Costing & pricing
• Information Technology

The tutors/facilitators assisting the GARDC with these courses are Miss Efuru Elihu, Chef Maurine Bowers, Miss Joycelyn Humphreys, Dr. Renee Phillip, Miss Matara Murphy, Miss Julianne Laudat Mr. Kedane Gamble, Mr. Craig Joseph, Mr. Adrian Bowen, Mr. Jamaul Phillip, Mr. Joel Matthew and Sereno Benjamin.  Other supporters are Miriam Samuel and Jacqueline Liddell.

On Thursday 11^th July there will be an exhibition and closing ceremony.

GARDC OFFERS COURSES

COURSES AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING

7th Annual Farm-to-Table Awards Presentation History of GARD Center & Awardee

7th Annual Farm-to-Table Awards Presentation
History of GARD Center & Awardee held on 8th May, 2024

WELCOME AND HISTORY OF GARD CENTER by June Jackson (Executive Director)

Good morning
Welcome to the formal Awards Presentation of the 7th Annual Farm-to-Table charity luncheon. We wish to thank you for joining us today. GARD Center truly appreciates your continued support.

Due to inclement weather on Saturday, 13th April, at the start of the Awards section of our Farm-to-Table event, we were unable to properly acknowledge our Sponsors, Farmers and Chefs because of the
blessings of rain.

Today, we are also here to honour a very special person who has been with the GARD Center, even before it was called the Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center. Before 1989, the initial project was called the Young Farmers Training Project and this was initially a 2-year Pilot Project introduced in the Caribbean (from the British Virgin Islands in the north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south) and it was funded by the Canada Training Awards Programme.

On Antigua, this training programme was carried out in collaboration with the government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (who provided land). This programme  was to encourage persons to take up farming as a profession, since the majority of farmers were over the age of 55. The Center started primarily as an Agricultural training institution as the name suggests.

Out of that project, came the Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center, now affectionately known as the GARD Center, which was led by a Dynamic Woman, who achieved what you see here around us today.
She was the first Executive Director of the Center, which started with one file cabinet, a desk and six students.

Throughout the years, the GARD Center diversified its programmes to meet the needs of its target groups, Women and Youth (16 – 35 years). The Center depends heavily on international and regional funding for the bulk of its programmes. Unfortunately, a number of these donor partners have shifted their priorities and/or have withdrawn funding from the Region.

Farm-to-Table is a social movement which promotes serving local food at restaurants and at other eating places and is quite popular in North America. The concept is that the consumer would be able to directly
access fresh locally grown or produced foods from the producer, be it vegetable crops, fish, livestock, or poultry. This assures the consumer of being able to trace their food source, “knowing where your food comes
from.”

The GARD Center has developed this concept with a twist and has introduced a New Dining Experience to Antigua and Barbuda. While much of the food served at our Farm-to-Table Fundraiser luncheon is
produced locally, we have some of the top chefs from hotels and restaurants on island preparing mouthwatering dishes for our clientele.

This event brings together farmers and their produce, along with some of the country’s top local chefs who create exquisite cuisine with the freshest ingredients. This unique dining experience offers sophistication and takes place
outdoors in the tranquil surroundings of our Gilbert Agro-heritage Nature Center, where Patrons will experience top class dining.

This all began in 2014, with our non-profit, nongovernmental organization which operates under the auspices of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas, held meetings trying to determine how to raise funds to continue the Center’s work of empowering the youth of Antigua and Barbuda, and providing them with vocational, technical training and entrepreneurship skills to become productive citizens. A member of this Committee Mrs. Barbara Japal came up with an unique idea which launched our Signature, now Annual Farm-to-Table
Fundraiser in 2015. The first year we had 3 private chefs who worked tirelessly with us to produce meals based on Sweet Potatoes. Our Premier Sponsor – the James and Maginley Charity and Care Foundation, has been with our major fundraising event from year 2; we are truly grateful for their stellar sponsorship. In addition, this year, we
also have on board, the Community First Cooperative Credit Union, for the 2nd year in a row. They have sponsored this Awards ceremony, plaques and certificates.

Tamarind Hills Antigua has once again donated a Weekend for 2 at their luxurious resort as the major prize at our Chinese Auction. The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association sourced Gift Certificates
from Tropical Adventures and Dinner for 2 from Blue Waters and Spa. These draws will be done shortly. Sponsorship this year was alsoreceived from APUA Inet.

We also wish to thank everyone who has Volunteered, Donated and assisted us in anyway, your good deeds have not gone unnoticed. This morning, we wish to say thank you and express our gratitude to our
Farmers, who willingly donate some of their produce every year. Our farmers continue to produce high quality food to nurture our bodies.

This contributes to our local economy and lends toward food security. To all of our magnificent Chefs, the hotels and organizations which you represent, mere words cannot truly express how much we appreciate all of you. These Chefs take the locally produced food and create delicious meals. We continue to add to the local menu, the more variety the
Farmers can grow the more specialties our Chefs can produce.

This year our Awards were sponsored by the Community First Cooperative Credit Union, and to them we are greatly thankful. We are going to have a brief presentation shortly. Will the Farmers and Chefs present please come forward when your name is called. Those who are not present will receive their tokens at a later date.

Mrs. Roberta Williams led this organization admirably from its inception in November 1989 until her retirement in 2018. Under her tenure the Center was able to become a non-profit organization and was incorporated in June 2003, although it still functions under a Board and the auspices of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the
Americas, who have graciously allowed us to continue to utilize 5 acres of their property where we are currently situated. Mrs. Williams was able to get many grants to benefit the Youth in this country, particularly the
vulnerable and those at-risk. Roberta was very instrumental in writing projects to achieve this. Once she saw a need by the Youth, there was no stopping her. In her view the Center needed to expand in order to reach more youth, and beyond agriculture. Once she had an idea, there was no stopping her. The need for expansion to offer more training opportunities, led to more project writing.

The first expansion was the government of Antigua and Barbuda graciously allowed the Center to operate from its former ABS Radio station, across the road. Somehow although a major benefit and expansion, we could do better. More projects were written and more training opportunities were afforded to the Youth.

So, why stop there. Project proposals were submitted to the Japanese government in Trinidad and Tobago, and the first building (the blue one) was funded and one room was to serve as an agricultural classroom and the other a computer lab. Today, we will be renaming this to be known as the Emanuel Building. A few years later, the need to expand again became evident and the Embassy of the People of Japan was again approached and yes, the Peach building, was constructed to house a Workshop/ Conference room; a Counsellor room, a private area where
Youth with issues could be helped. There was also a storeroom included. This building will now be known as the Roberta M. Williams building.

I am sure if you look to the West, you will see a third building, the Purple one, yes, you guessed correctly. The Japanese Embassy once again came to the Center’s assistance. This time the focus had shifted to Tourism and training of Youth who did not have the academic qualification or the finances to attend the Premier Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute. It contains a Training kitchen and a storeroom. (Please note, the Center is not in competition with the ABHTI, we merely set the foundation for these students).
of these buildings are used for conducting training sessions.

This is as brief as I can get, to honour this phenomenal woman. It was decided that one of these training areas should carry her name as a reminder of her dedication and service to the GARD Center.
Please join me in standing as we salute, Mrs. Roberta M. Williams.

CLIMATE & DISASTER RISK FINANCE & INSURANCE (CDRFI) TECHNICAL CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

The Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC), funded by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is implementing a project called “Multi-Actor Partnership for pro-poor and gender-equitable climate risk financing in the context of the IGP’s 2025 vision”. Under this initiative, the CPDC hosted a two-day workshop in Antigua and Barbuda on 24^th and 25^th April for stakeholders such as government, Academia, NGOs, Private Sector, farmers and others.

The Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) is a coalition of Caribbean Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO). It was established in 1991 to sensitize NGOs and the general public on key policy issues and to impact policy makers on decisions which put the interest of Caribbean people at the centre of Caribbean development.

CPDC is a regional non-governmental organization whose mission is “To build civil society organizations’ partnerships through engagement with people, governments, and other relevant partners to influence the design and implementation of policies that empower and improve the lives of Caribbean people,” Mr. Christon Herbert/Project officer said in his opening remarks

The purpose of the workshop was to enhance the knowledge of key stakeholders on Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI) in Antigua and Barbuda.  The participants were provided with knowledge to utilize climate financing and insurance to boost Climate Resilience effectively.

In phase one the project was implemented in Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada and Barbados.  Jamaica and Dominica were added during phase two.  There are forty -four multi-actors consisting of stakeholders from government and civil-society. One of the main focuses was ‘Parametric Insurance”, this insurance addresses the magnitude of the disaster and not the amount of damages it caused like the traditional indemnity policy.

Project Aims

• The overall goal of the multi-country project is that key aspects of pro-poor, gender-equitable and human rights-based CDRFI approaches for the benefit of particularly vulnerable population groups are integrated in climate and disaster risk finance and insurance (CDRFI) MAPs,
• Ensuring that CDRFI mechanisms in the Caribbean designed and implemented are influenced and informed through our Caribbean MAPs with collaboration at the global, regional and national levels.

Workshop Aims and Objectives

1. To enhance the knowledge of key stakeholders on Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance in Antigua & Barbuda.
2. To provide a forum for discussion around CDRFI in Antigua and Barbuda
3. To improve the understanding on the benefits of CARDI in boosting climate resilience as we attempt to mitigate against and adapt to the impacts of climate change
4. Collaboratively develop a practical playback for designing tailored financing or risk products, addressing the unique vulnerabilities in Antigua & Barbuda

Intended Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the concept and principles of climate, disaster risk finance and insurance for the community
• Identify the relevant steps for assessing climate finance and designing appropriate financing options.
• Understanding the vary climate finance and insurance options available to Antigua & Barbuda.

Workshop Methodology

• The training was practical and interactive.
• It featured a mixed modality of delivery, included case studies and group work.

The facilitators were Christon Herbert, Michael Zissenar (via Zoom) and Telly Valerie Onu. This workshop was the final of three hosted by the Gilbert Agricultural Rural Development Center (GARDC).