BVI Strengthens Food Security Through Partnerships
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says the government has launched an agricultural grants programme and is deepening regional partnerships to reduce the territory's reliance on food imports. Planned measures include a Paraquita Bay reservoir and agricultural complex, an April agricultural exhibition, and an imminent memorandum of understanding with the Dominican Republic.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has outlined a multi‑pronged strategy to bolster the British Virgin Islands' food security, saying the government is expanding agricultural grants and formalising regional partnerships to increase local production and resilience. Speaking at a recent press conference, Dr Wheatley said a newly launched grants programme has already attracted a substantial number of applicants.
The scheme is designed to support farmers, stimulate local production and help local businesses source more food from within the territory. Key infrastructure plans centre on Paraquita Bay. The government is advancing proposals for a reservoir to improve water storage and irrigation capacity and is developing an agricultural complex that will include warehouse facilities.
Those warehouses are intended to consolidate produce from multiple small farms and create direct links between farmers and hotels, supermarkets and restaurants in the BVI. Dr Wheatley also announced plans to host an agricultural exhibition in April, which officials describe as an opportunity for farmers, agribusinesses and the public to showcase produce, learn about new techniques and strengthen local market connections.
Alongside domestic measures, the Premier stressed the importance of regional trade. He said the BVI will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Dominican Republic in the coming weeks and is seeking to expand cooperation with Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States partners such as Dominica, St Vincent and Grenada, which have active agricultural sectors.
Acknowledging the territory's limitations, Dr Wheatley said full self‑sufficiency is not realistic for most small island states, pointing out that Guyana is the only country in the region that can fully feed itself. The government’s approach therefore combines expanding local production with stronger regional ties to reduce vulnerability to supply chain disruptions, rising global food prices and other external shocks.
The Premier urged residents to support domestic agriculture and participate in the new programmes, noting that conflicts and global disturbances have underscored the urgency of local and regional collaboration. For BVI residents, the planned infrastructure at Paraquita Bay, the grants programme and the April exhibition are practical steps aimed at improving access to locally produced food and increasing the territory's ability to withstand future shocks.
Officials say more details on grant eligibility, exhibition arrangements and the MOU will be released through government channels in coming weeks.
Primary source: BVI News