(MOA Basseterre, St. Kitts, 31 October 2024):
Marking a transformative step towards enhancing food security and advancing the poultry sector in the twin island federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, a new state-of-the-art Layer Chicken Breeder Farm and Hatchery facility at the Bayford’s Livestock Centre of Excellence was officially commissioned on Thursday, 31st October 2024.
The hatchery was constructed under the Layer Chicken Industry Sustainable Development Project—a joint venture between the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources. The project is expected to provide farmers with a steady supply of over twenty-thousand-day-old chicks per year for both meat and egg production and forms part of the government’s “25 by 25 Agenda” which seeks to reduce food imports by 25% by the year 2025.
In his featured remarks, His Excellency Lin Chia-Lung, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) stated that he is pleased with the government’s efforts to establish a sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural sector, while also highlighting the importance of Taiwan’s partnership.
“The facility is expected to produce twenty-thousand laying birds per year. Although we should not count our chickens before they’ve hatched, I am confident that the farm will provide a stable and reliable supply of eggs and poultries that will benefit local consumers and protect supply chain security. By promising food security and sustainable agriculture, the project also contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development goals. We are hatching a brighter future. This project symbolizes the strong partnership between Taiwan and St. Christopher and Nevis, a partnership based on core values and a mutual commitment to sustainable development. As we embark on this journey together, I look forward to seeing the positive impact that the layer facility will have on St. Christopher and Nevis and the wider region”, he stated as he proudly admired the poultry farming equipment in the room.
In his presentation, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Honourable Samal M Duggins, i highlighted how the establishment of the chicken hatchery advances agricultural development in the country.
He said, “Today marks a significant milestone for agriculture in St. Kitts and Nevis as we celebrate the official opening of the Layer Chicken Industry Sustainable Development Project here at the Bayford’s Livestock Centre of Excellence. This project, made possible through the support and partnership of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, reflects our shared commitment to advancing agricultural development and food security. The establishment of this chicken hatchery is a strategic step forward in strengthening our local poultry industry, reducing dependence on imports, and building a sustainable model for future growth. This facility will support local farmers by providing high-quality chicks, technical resources, and the infrastructure necessary to elevate poultry production across the federation.”
The Honourable Minister then used the opportunity to express gratitude to His Excellency Lin Chia-Lung, as well as the government of Taiwan for their unwavering commitment and for making the sacrifice to travel to St. Kitts, especially as their country recently endured the impact of a severe storm.
He said, “We express our heartfelt gratitude to our partners from Taiwan for their enduring friendship and their dedication to helping us build a self-reliant agricultural sector. Allow me to pause and say again, how much we appreciate this because even now as you have recently had a Typhoon, you are still here showing your commitment, dedication and support.”
Minister Duggins also recognized local farmers for braving the challenges faced in the poultry industry and thanked them for their input which has helped with the build-out of the Sustainable Layer Chicken Hatchery project.
Also present were Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Federation, His Excellency Michael Lin, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kaye Bass, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Miguel Flemming, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Delrine Taylor, staff from the Ministry of Agriculture and Taiwan Embassy in St. Kitts.
At the end of the ceremony, guests were led on a guided tour of the facility equipped with boasts three Chicken Houses with deep-litter systems and a battery cage system, one Hatching Room with four incubators, one Egg Room for storage, water tanks and a Generator Room for an independent power supply.
