Dr the Hon Dawson unveils bold plans to transform VI’s agri & fisheries industries
Dr Dawson was at the time addressing a media engagement, alongside Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon.Natalio D. Wheatley (R7)–on March 21, 2025—where Dr Dawson reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting local farmers and fishers while also exploring regional partnerships.
According to the former government minister, the importance of increasing local production while simultaneously securing external food sources, including the Dominican Republic initiative, can not be underestimated.
“I consider it not to be a situation where it's as if we're going after one or the other; As far as food security is concerned, we must increase production here in the Virgin Islands.”
To this end, he reiterated that …and at the same time, we must look at other sources in conjunction with other regional bodies such as the OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States).”
Expanding Lands & Infrastructure
With this in mind, Dr Dawson divulged that among the focuses of the government’s agricultural development plan is the expansion of farming acreage across multiple islands.
To this end, he also added that the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change has also been actively working to allocate land on Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost van Dyke, in addition to available plots on Tortola, to facilitate increased agricultural output.
“One of the key things, if you're going to increase production, has been the increase of the acreage available for farming; The ministry has been working closely with us to ensure that there are lots available to expand production in the agricultural sphere,” Dr Dawson explained.
Alongside land expansion, the government, he said, is also actively seeking to address the critical issue of water supply to sustain agricultural activities, adding that discussions are ongoing regarding a national water policy, with specific plans in place for Paraquita Bay, where the reservoir project has entered the design phase.
"We are at the same time looking to see how water can be addressed in other areas as well."
Land Use & Farmer Support
Conceding past challenges in agricultural land management, particularly at Paraquita Bay, he stressed that lessons learned will be applied to future projects.
“We realise that there were some errors made at Paraquita Bay and we're trying to ensure that those are not done elsewhere.”
To further support the sector, he said the government will also be facilitating land leases for farmers under the Crown Lands Policy, ensuring that agricultural developments align with national food security objectives.
According to Dr Dawson, “Once the land is allocated, we are in the process of ensuring that the leases are available so that the arrangements for farmers fit with what we want to do.”
Additionally, financial resources, he said, are being allocated to train farmers and improve technical expertise.
“There will be a level of flexibility as to what farmers do, however, there will also be the need for some central planning as to what we will produce, especially for those persons who are producing on Crown land.”
Fisheries
Meanwhile, as it relates to the fisheries industry specifically, Dr Dawson reaffirmed the government’s broader commitment to strengthening both agriculture and fisheries, particularly as the Territory marks Agriculture and Fisheries Month, highlighting that beyond recognising the sector's contributions, the observance aims to drive forward practical initiatives that will ensure long-term sustainability and resilience.
“We are moving in the direction of more support and activity for farming and fishing in the Territory.”
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11 Responses to “Dr the Hon Dawson unveils bold plans to transform VI’s agri & fisheries industries”
You may or may not asked why not him? The answer is as simpñly as the following.
He, Dr Carl Dawson was, until approximate two (2) weeks ago, the agriculture and fisheries junior minister of the current local government. Where were all these bold plans., hidden in his brain, only now been unveiled to general public?
Hmmm
???
We all should trust in the Lord our Creator fully in our heart (our mind), depend not on our own understanding (opinions, thoughts, speculative intuitions) in all our acknowledged Him, and give Him access to directing us, daily, in the right path.
THE COVID VACCINE , AND WE KNOW HE COULDN'T RVEN PRODUCE A SUNGLE VEGATEBLE / SOME SAY HE GOT JNNOCENT BLOOD ON HIS HANDS , OS YHISE WHO RELIED AND PUT THEIR TRUST IN HIM , SOME OF THEM ARE NOT HERE WITH US NOW . HOW CAN WE RESPECT PEOPLE LIKE THESE ❓️???? THAT HAVE A LICENSE TO PRESCRIBE MEDICATIONS TO HUMANS , KNOWING OF THE SIDE EFFECTS THAT IS WITHIN THEM , BUT IS NOT TELLING THEIR PATIENTS OF IT , BUT WHEN YOU GET AFFECTED BY ONE OR MORE OF THE SIDE EFFECTS , ALL THEY DO IS CHANGE YOUR MEDICATIONS , AND EXPOSE YOU TO ANOTHER SET OF SUDE EFFECTS / THATS LIKE A LICENSE TO KILL ■ WHO'S MAKING SURE THAT THESE SET OF WANNABE DOCTORS IS DOING THE RIGHT THING , ❓️???? / WE ARE LIKE GUINEA PIGS
Manage and sell back to government and other FAILED project. Karly you call meh!