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| Persons attending the three-day workshop in orchid production |
Charlestown Nevis (November 21, 2005) The Nevis Island Administration through its Ministry of Agriculture on Monday convened a three-day workshop in the production and management of orchids at the Mount Nevis Hotel in St. James Parish.
Speaking at the function to officially start the workshop, Junior Minister of Agriculture, the Hon Mr. Livingston Herbert said that while it was the ministry's strategy to transform the production of agriculture, it was his belief that government must lead the way in the production.
He told some 35 horticulturalists and floral arrangers that his government had manifested its leadership in many ways, saying, "One such way is the provision of concessions because orchids can be capital intensive and we (government) must give concessions. The government has established an entrepreneurial development fund to assist our people to take that first step in making agriculture a business."
He added, The government provides training through the Department of Agriculture or through the Department of Adult and Community Education and Training Programme. In the process of transforming agriculture, we have brought training (orchid workshop) to your door steps.
"In a way we are preparing the ground. We have sowed the seeds. It is for you to water and nurture the development because we are on to something good. Let us use this opportunity to maximize the benefits that can be accrued from our involvement," said Minister Herbert.
Mr. Samuel Powell, Director of Agriculture, welcomed all to the session. He noted that it was timely and that it would focus mainly on orchids. "We will benefit from this training in several ways and there are several expected outputs ranging from increasing ones knowledge to the formation of a garden club and or a horticultural society."
Mr. Powell called upon the participants to increase their production of flowers and ornamental plants for sale to the general public as well as to hotels. "Establish linkages with the tourism sector and focus on the availability of flowers for special occasions," he said.
The workshop is facilitated by Messrs. Antonio De Gannes and Alexander Gibson of the University of the West Indies and several topics namely, Species/Hybrids and Hybridization, Characteristics/Growing Habits/Conditions and Materials used in growing orchids and planting techniques. A closing ceremony and distribution of certificates is expected at the conclusion of the workshop on Wednesday.
