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35 farmers & fishers approved for over $300K in grant funding

-funding made possible through new $500K agriculture grant by gov't
The new agriculture and fisheries grant policy is aimed at empowering farmers and fishers to access the tools, equipment, infrastructure, and resources needed to enhance production and bring food to market. Under this new grant, farmers and fishers can receive gardening tools, fishing nets, boats, and animal pens. Photo: Internet Source
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has announced that a total of $388,826.66 will be disbursed to 35 farmers and fishers under the new agriculture grant recently introduced by the government. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has announced that a total of $388,826.66 will be disbursed to 35 farmers and fishers under the new agriculture grant recently introduced by the government. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
PARAQUITA BAY, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has announced that a total of $388,826.66 will be disbursed to 35 farmers and fishers under the new agriculture grant introduced by the government.

Honourable Wheatley announced this during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Agriculture & Fisheries Exhibition and Market on Friday, April 12, 2026.

The new agriculture and fisheries grant policy is aimed at empowering farmers and fishers to access the tools, equipment, infrastructure, and resources needed to enhance production and bring food to market. Under this new grant, farmers and fishers can receive gardening tools, fishing nets, boats, and animal pens. “These grants are designed to strengthen production and expand opportunity,” he stated.

Farmers approved for first round 

The premier added, “I’m now pleased to announce that we received a total of 143 applications under this program following a thorough review process conducted by the committee, approved by Cabinet, 18 farmers and 17 fishers have been approved as awardees in this first round and I must emphasise just a first round, the 35 approved farmers and fishers will receive a total of $388,826.66.”

Honourable Wheatley noted, "That’s just a portion of the $500,000 we project to invest in this program this year alone, and perhaps we’ll even push for more than that $500,000.”

Names will be officially published 

He further stated that the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries will officially publish the awardees in the coming days to ensure transparency and proper use of funds. He also congratulated the new awardees, stating that this represents “the strength, resilience, and future of agriculture and fisheries in our territory". 

The two-day Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition and Market concluded on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

14 Responses to “35 farmers & fishers approved for over $300K in grant funding ”

  • Blind Man (13/04/2026, 07:47) Like (26) Dislike (5) Reply
    Here we go again this government haven't learnt anything so next election we will show them.
    • Funny (13/04/2026, 09:44) Like (19) Dislike (4) Reply
      they just bought 35 families worth of votes, they know exactly what they are doing
  • WHAT!!! (13/04/2026, 08:34) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    AGAIN??
    Did this government learn nothing last time giving money away so some dishonest people could get their cars fixed , pay off friends credit card etc.
  • local boy (13/04/2026, 09:03) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    The same EMO before last Premier get lockup. Give away public funds for campaigning hahaha. Well sah.
  • tola (13/04/2026, 09:25) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    I see why you all against the COI . Here we go again to frig up our tax money ..
  • Don't jump to conclusions (13/04/2026, 11:15) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    Would any of the 35 farmers like to chime in and tell us the good works they are panning to do with the grant funds?

  • fool me once (13/04/2026, 12:29) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    How many of them is actually fishers and farmers this time around?
  • 2cents (13/04/2026, 12:59) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    I understand the need to subsidize funding for local farmers to grow food and products for consumption. This is an important step toward increasing food security in our territory. However, instead of granting the allocated funds directly to farmers, it may be more prudent and efficient to implement a voucher system at local supply stores. This would allow approved farmers to obtain the necessary materials and products while ensuring that allocated funds are safeguarded against misuse for personal purposes.
    • @2cents (13/04/2026, 14:14) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Exactly! Every Vendor that sells items utilised by Farmers and Fisherfolks should send a list to the Agriculture Officer in charge of overseeing this particular venture. Then, the Farmer or Fisherman/woman presents to the Agriculture Officer what they require. The Officer checks the different Vendor list, gives that particular Vendor or the Vendors a call to ensure the item or items are still stocked, places an order and advises the name of the Farmer or Fisherfolk the items are for. Once everything is tallied, a Government Messenger takes the cheque to the Vendor. Tje Farmer or Fisherfolk is advised their items are ready for collection or delivery if the Vendor offers such service. The itemised invoice and payment info, are kept in a computerised system, probably a nice Excel spreadsheet and the Farmer or Fisherfolk is kept informed as to how much of the funds allocated to him/her has been exhausted. That way, they are aware whats left on their Grant. Hopefully, at some point the Governmemt puts in place some type of mechanism whereby the taxpayers money is safeguarded. However, we know somebody is goimg to find a way to thief some. It seems we haven'y learnt from the COI. Guess, we'll only learn when somebody's backside goes to the slammer. Btw, when all you givimg away all this money, when are we going to find out who authorised $5M to be deposited into the failing Bank of Asia? I hope you all don't think we have forgotten.
  • hmm (13/04/2026, 13:19) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes let's see those names please, and also what they intend to do or produce with those funds...or yall ain ask them all of that?
  • island man (13/04/2026, 15:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    many island people here loves farming but does not have the land to do so, can the government help?
    • Viboy (14/04/2026, 06:15) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      You come here want our men/women now you want our land???? Ayo island don’t have farm land?? Go there!!
  • WOW (14/04/2026, 07:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Then they should give back their produce for free
    • map (15/04/2026, 08:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well said & those produce should be given to the governments institutions like @ hospital old peoples home community centers for seniors reading rainbow home even @ the prison & we are proud to see they are doing their part in agriculture aswell & finally @ schools so there is a demand to construct cafeterias @ all public schools where , breaktime & lunch time the youth can be given a free meals bcaz other people ate big from tax payers $$$ like V.K who earned over a quarter mill in 1 nite and that $$$ alone could have construct those cafeterias @ our public schools but those politions dont take no wise advice from nobody when they themselves cant get to eat a slice of the cake bcaz take this for example, that 388.826.66 is just a portion from 500.000 so who gets that balance of 111.173.34 if there are 108 remaining applicants why not give it to 11 more people who applied for 10.000 grants or 4 -25.000 grants and 1-10.000 or even 2-50.000 grants and ayo politions keep the 1.173.34 no bcaz that money is to small to fill ayo greed needs.


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