BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (AUGUST 24TH 2004) – Parliamentary Representative for Constituency # 8, the Hon. Cedric Liburd has told residents in Cayon that with an increase in the demand for local fruits and vegetables as a result of the boom in the tourism industry, small farmers have a critical role to play.
Mr. Liburd, who is also Minister of Agriculture, said at a Town Hall Meeting that he is committed to continue to look after the interest of the small farmers in the Federation and in the constituency that he serves.
“Several of you have been involved in small farming for several years and with the increased demand for agricultural produce resulting from the boom in the tourism industry and the request for homegrown produce on the local market, it has become necessary for you to get the additional acreage of land to improve your output and to promote your engagement in additional forms of agriculture, such as tree crop and food crop farming,” said Liburd.
He said the increase in water storage in Cayon will be beneficial to the efforts of small farmers to engage in irrigated agriculture.
“We are fully aware that the small farmers have a very important role to play in the agricultural diversification process and more so, in light of the numerous challenges that we are currently facing to maintain a viable market for sugar in the international market,” said Liburd, adding: “That is why we will continue to empower our small farmers as they move ahead with their various initiatives.”
He said acres of land at Greenhill and Whites will be allocated to farmers as part of the efforts of the ruling St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Administration’s “effort to ensure sustained output and productivity.”
Mr. Liburd, who is seeking a third term as Parliamentary Representative for Constituency # 8 in the next General Elections, encouraged residents to take advantage of every opportunity to advance themselves as the Government moves the country forward.
