Address by the Honourable Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, St. Kitts, at the Virtual Launch Ceremony of the 19th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA 2025).

The Honorable Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources of St. Kitts and Nevis, delivered impactful remarks at the virtual launch ceremony of the 19th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) 2025. Minister Duggins’ address highlighted the critical importance of regional collaboration and innovation in transforming Caribbean agriculture and ensuring food and nutrition security. He emphasized the significant role of CWA 2025 as a platform to foster dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the development of impactful solutions to the challenges facing the agricultural sector. The Minister’s words resonated with the urgency of reinventing agricultural practices and systems to create a more resilient and sustainable future for Caribbean food production.

Minister Duggins began by acknowledging the formidable challenges confronting regional agriculture, including climate change, limited access to finance and technology, and vulnerability to external shocks. He stressed that these challenges necessitate a united front and the adoption of innovative strategies to ensure food security for the Caribbean. He lauded the theme of CWA 2025, “Transforming Caribbean Agriculture through Innovation and Investment,” as aptly capturing the core necessities for achieving a vibrant and prosperous agricultural sector. The Minister underscored the vital role of technology and investment in driving transformation and modernization across the agricultural value chain.

The Minister further elaborated on the need to embrace technology, particularly in areas such as precision agriculture, climate-smart practices, and improved post-harvest management. He advocated for increased investment in research and development to create tailored solutions that address the specific needs and challenges of Caribbean agriculture. He also emphasized the importance of attracting private sector investment to unlock the full potential of the agricultural sector and facilitate growth and diversification. He highlighted the crucial link between agricultural development and regional economic prosperity, urging stakeholders to prioritize investments in the sector to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.

Minister Duggins championed the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and collaboration to tackle the complex challenges facing Caribbean agriculture. He called for greater information sharing, joint research initiatives, and harmonized policies to optimize resource utilization and increase regional food production. He acknowledged the power of CWA as a platform to foster collaboration and partnerships among CARICOM member states, regional organizations, and international development partners. He urged all participants to actively engage in the week’s activities to foster meaningful dialogues and collaborate on actionable solutions.

Furthermore, the Minister stressed the importance of empowering young people and women in agriculture. He highlighted the need to create opportunities that attract and retain young talent in the sector, ensuring the future of Caribbean agriculture. He also emphasized the critical role of women in agricultural production and advocated for policies that promote gender equality and empower women across the agricultural value chain. He viewed the inclusion of youth and women as essential to building a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector.

In closing, Minister Duggins reiterated his call for collective action and underscored the critical role of CWA 2025 in shaping the future of Caribbean agriculture. He expressed confidence that the discussions and outcomes of the week would contribute significantly to transforming regional agricultural systems and achieving food and nutrition security for all. He urged participants to seize the opportunity presented by CWA 2025 to collaborate, innovate, and invest in a more sustainable and prosperous future for Caribbean agriculture. His remarks served as a rallying call for regional unity and proactive engagement in the face of pressing challenges, highlighting the importance of CWA as a pivotal platform for achieving agricultural transformation.