Jerome C. Thomas Ph. D. Director of Agriculture

Basseterre, St.Kitts: "New Scope, New Opportunities After Sugar" is the theme for this year's Annual Agriculture Open Day. The open day is in its 12^th year and will be hosted at the Department of Agriculture grounds on April 28 and 29.. This year's theme reflects on the closure of the sugar industry in St. Kitts.

 

Agriculture is considered to be one of the key areas of growth in the national economy. The mission statement is to be a high quality provider of leadership and support in non-sugar agriculture, fisheries and forestry. And to secure food self-sufficiency and satisfy export markets toward sustainable development in St. Kitts and Nevis. 

 

Jerome C. Thomas, director of Agriculture said, "Preparations for the two Open Days and Exhibition have begun to intensify and plans are underway for exciting activities and interesting exhibits."

 

The open days will begin on at 9 a.m. in the morning and close 6 p.m. in the evening. Special activities for Friday includes, Farmer Market all day long, Taiwanese Exhibition which is a special exhibit by the Republic of China and Taiwan comprising of Electronic products. Consumer items will also be an added attraction, school exhibits, Kittitian Fruit plate, Kids Zone and a Talent Explosion at 4:30 p.m.

 

A Steel Band presentation and Cable and Wireless Specials will also be apart of the open day on Friday. The general influx of School Children Island-wide is also expected on that day.

 

On Saturday April 29, this day is mainly to accommodate the working general public who may not get a chance to attend during normal working hours. Saturday is also expected to be family oriented comprising of a wide variety of things to enjoy.

 

The special activities for Saturday includes, Kittitian breakfast at 7:30 a.m., String Band performance, Goat Water, Horse Back Riding, Kids Zone and Karaoke between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. for the general public. A fashion show will begin at 5 p.m. where designs will be on display by Brown Sugar Clothing Line and Cable and Wireless Specials.

 

The Ornamental horticultural sector will also be on hand to provide wide range of flowering plants. The St. Kitts Floral Arrangers Society will depict some of the best bouquets and arrangements available along with a tea party.  Both events will be held at the St. Johnson's Community Center for the general public.

 

A new chairman has been selected as Lesroy Henry takes over from Gene Knight.