ST GEORGE’S GRENADA– Bilateral Relations in the area of Agriculture between the Governments of Grenada and Cuba have been kick-started with a meet and greet with farmers in the village of Requin in St. David, recently.
Minister for Agriculture, Hon Peter David, together with Cuban Ambassador to Grenada, Luis Ernesto Morejón Rodríguez, and extension officers attached to the Southern Agricultural District, spoke with farmers; listened to their concerns and suggestions of ways the agriculture sector can be transformed.
That visit was a continuation of the Agriculture Minister’s scheduled engagements with farmers across the country. “Cuba and Grenada share a very special relationship and we are trying to enhance this relationship in the area of Agriculture,” said Minister David. “We are in the process of discussing a Memorandum of Understanding between Grenada and Cuba. I have a planned visit to Cuba, so, we thought we would bring the Cuban Ambassador, so he will see for himself, while we are seeking to establish that relationship in agriculture.”
Ambassador Rodriguez said the visit was important for him to get a clearer understanding as to the status of agriculture in Grenada and where the relationship between the two countries can take it. He said, “I welcome the opportunity to be with the farmers who work in the land every day; it’s very important for me to listen to their experiences to see what we can do together. We need to see the areas of opportunities and collaboration.”
Requin is considered the epicenter of food production in St. David. The area visited by Minister David accommodates over 30 farmers, whose main concerns were that of inaccessible roads and irrigation.
Minister David said, “What I liked about them is that they are quite content with how things are going. They are trying with the water, but we must help them; irrigation is a big problem, but they are solving it and that pleased us that they are finding ways themselves of solving the irrigation problem using gravity.
Another problem is roads, and we are trying to resuscitate the programme where we can assist with the clearing of the roads. Fortunately for us, we are close, and we will be working on getting the road in the area sorted out.” Agriculture equipment and inputs were handed over to the farmers as a gesture indicative of the commitment to assisting them in enhancing their trade.
Farmers in the area were pleased with the visit and expressed their gratitude for the chance to express their concerns to the Minister. Damion Williams said, “It’s a good feeling to know the Minister came to see our struggles and assist us with certain things that we need.”
Another farmer, Jonas Williams said, “It motivated me, it encouraged me because we know the government is behind us and that is very important in encouraging us to go out there and do more.”
Ministry of Agriculture…ensuring food and nutrition security for all
