Farmers and Fishers Shape Future
The Premier’s Office hosted a one-day planning meeting on Friday 3 October 2025 that brought together farmers, fishers and senior government officials to develop a shared vision for agriculture and fisheries across the Territory. Discussions covered legislation, training, school gardens, capital projects, designation of agricultural land in Anegada and plans for World Food Day 2025 and Agriculture and Fisheries Month 2026, with follow-up meetings planned to finalise the vision.
The Premier’s Office convened farmers, fishers and key stakeholders on Friday 3 October 2025 for a one-day planning meeting aimed at shaping the future of the Territory’s agriculture and fisheries sectors. Attendees included Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe, Deputy Secretary Dr.
Lavon Chalwell-Brewley, and Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Director Mr. The session was the first formal engagement under a newly established Agriculture and Fisheries Management Unit in the Premier’s Office, created in anticipation of the Food Security and Sustainability Act coming into force.
In opening remarks Permanent Secretary Stoutt-Igwe stressed the central role of food production for public health and long-term sustainability. She said the unit and department will increase stakeholder engagement and described the meeting as the start of many conversations to ensure that policy reflects on-the-ground realities.
Premier Wheatley outlined initiatives designed to strengthen economic and environmental resilience. He emphasised the need for direct private-sector investment, stronger marketing to connect local producers with consumers, responsible resource use, and sustainable financing to support continuity across generations.
He also announced plans to explore a combined farming and fishing complex to bolster production capacity, create jobs and generate revenue for the Territory. Participants reviewed capital projects and received updates on the designation of agricultural lands in Anegada — a move that could expand production opportunities and preserve farming space for local growers.
Other priority topics included proposed legislative and policy changes, learning and development programmes for producers, promotion of school gardens to engage youth, and preparations for World Food Day 2025 and Agriculture and Fisheries Month 2026. Chalwell-Brewley led a visioning exercise, reminding attendees that farmers and fishers are “the heart of our food system” and that their input is essential to produce a realistic sector strategy.
Based on feedback, organisers said they will reconvene to finalise a shared vision that reflects collective input. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, a division of the Premier’s Office, is mandated to promote and regulate safe, nutritious and sustainable food production in the Virgin Islands while protecting the environment and supporting economic growth.
For residents, the meeting signals a more consultative approach to food security and potential new resources and infrastructure for local producers in the coming years.
Primary source: BVI Government