St. Kitts and Nevis, February 22, 2024 (MDS) – Farmers from St. Kitts and Nevis expressed
their heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture and Minister Duggins for their unwavering
support during their recent trip to the St. Croix food fair. The journey, made possible by the
Ministry’s assistance, marked a significant milestone for the farming community, fostering
camaraderie and displaying the region’s agricultural prowess.
Claudette Peets, a participating farmer, emphasized, “Thanking Minister Duggins for helping us
and making it possible for us to be here today at St. Croix farmers fair because the past couple of
years, we had to put our hands in our pockets to get here but Mr. Duggins and his ministry made
it possible for us to be here this year and I’m thankful.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Claudette Wilson remarked, “It’s a long time we have not been
coming and I give gratitude to the Minister. Thank you very much.”
Solomon Morton added, “I just want to express gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture for
coming on board in supporting us on our trip to St. Croix. It has been a long hard struggle, but
we are finally at the point that we recognize the need for it, and we want to say thanks to the
minister of agriculture.”
The collaborative efforts bore fruit as the delegation secured top honours at the USVI Off Island
Exhibition Annual Agriculture and Food Fair. Emontine Thompson, who clinched first place,
acknowledged, “We came in first place and I’m here with the Minister of Agriculture of St. Kitts
who gave me the support to be here. He really supported me, and I want to say thank you. Thank
you also to the permanent secretary from St. Kitts.”
Minister Duggins commended the farmers for their dedication, stating, “Thankful to you as
farmer in doing your part because at the end of the day, it’s not a ministry thing, it’s not a
minister thing, it’s a national thing. Every farmer has to put their hand to the wheel.”
The triumph of Nevis and St. Kitts at the 52nd Annual Agriculture and Food Fair underscores the
region’s commitment to advancing food security and bolstering local agriculture. The Ministry
extends its gratitude to all participants, cooperatives, supporters, and partners whose collective
efforts contributed to the success of the expedition.
