The opening ceremony set the tone with a strong call to action from Brian Bogart of the World Food Programme, who emphasized the Caribbean’s heightened vulnerability to climate change, external shocks, and food security challenges. Dr. Renata Clarke, FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Caribbean, further underlined the significance of the week, noting, “This is the week to find all key players in one place.”
Representing Saba, a delegation from the Public Entity participated actively throughout the event. The delegation included Head of the Agriculture Department Randall Johnson and Project Leader Niké Dekkers, who attended the opening days and start of the conference. Later in the week, Sam Frederick and Jose Gomez from the Hydroponics Farm, together with Pastor Liburd and Aneuris Hassell from the Hell’s Gate Farm, also joined.
Field Visits and Knowledge Exchange
Mr. Johnson and Ms. Dekkers began their visit with a series of field trips highlighting key agricultural initiatives on St. Kitts:
- Gideon Force Organic Farm: Situated in the Wingfield Mountain area, this farm demonstrated the power of organic practices, where tomatoes and peppers are intercropped with fruit trees such as mango, soursop, sugar apple, banana, and papaya.
- Bayfords’ Layer Hatchery: A facility dedicated to poultry innovation, with the aim of supplying 20,000 chicks annually to local chicken farms. The hatchery highlighted strict biosecurity measures, requiring all visitors to sanitize, use shoe covers, and step into a bleach bath before entry.
- Leon “Yellows” Anthony Farm: An example of diverse farming methods, combining open-field pineapple and coconut production with greenhouse cultivation of tomatoes and sweet peppers.
Farmers shared candid insights on the pressing challenges of changing weather patterns, with hotter and drier conditions affecting production and long-term sustainability.
Sessions and Regional Collaboration
Throughout the week, the delegation also participated in technical sessions, panel discussions, and interactive exchanges covering a broad spectrum of themes, including:
- Data-Driven Solutions for Food Security
- Aligning Livestock Health & Trade and Sustainable Livestock Sector
- Agri-Tourism Synergies
- African Swine Fever Preparedness & Response
- Small-Scale Fisheries & Aquaculture Forum
Focus on Hydroponics and Greenhouse Innovations
Later in the week, Mr. Frederick, Mr. Gomez, Pastor Liburd, and Mr. Hassell attended specialized sessions on greenhouse technology and hydroponics, exploring opportunities for food security through sustainable production methods adapted to the Caribbean context. Their participation concluded with a visit to the Agriculture Expo, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Marine Resources of St. Kitts, which showcased local innovation and products.
DCALFA Representation and Regional Collaboration
Attendance at the conference not only enhanced regional knowledge sharing but also provided the opportunity to strengthen ties with counterparts from the Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Alliance, with representatives from Aruba, St. Eustatius, and Sint Maarten also present.
Looking Ahead
The 19th CWA reinforced the urgency of building resilience in Caribbean agriculture and food systems. For Saba, participation in the event provided valuable insights, practical exposure to regional best practices, and stronger connections with regional and international partners, all essential elements for advancing sustainable agriculture and food security on the island.
