The programme will involve a cohort of six (6) to ten (10) apprentices who will learn the fundamentals of farming and entrepreneurship.

According to a press release today, May 19, 2021, from the District Office of the Seventh District Representative, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, who is also the Deputy Premier and Minister with the portfolio for agriculture, the apprentices will have access to a small lot (232 x 78 ft) in Long Look, where they will learn how to grow, harvest and market their produce, under the tutelage of Arona Fahie-Forbes, an expert agriculturist and seasoned entrepreneur.

The D7 Community Garden Programme is being managed by the D7 Community Garden Committee, led by Mrs Roxane Toussaint.

According to Deputy Premier and Minister with the portfolio for agriculture, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), the D7 Community Garden Programme will be used as a pilot to increase access to food, improve eating habits and general well-being, and generate a greater sense of community, from seed to table.

Pilot programme

Dr Wheatley said, “We are looking to use this programme as a pilot to increase access to food, improve eating habits and general well-being, and generate a greater sense of community, from seed to table.

“In addition to the health and cultural benefits of a community garden, the programme will stimulate economic activity, create much-needed entrepreneurship opportunities for Long Look residents, and the wider Virgin Islands community,” Dr Wheatley said.

Apprentices must be residents of the Seventh District who are either unemployed or underemployed.

The pilot programme will take place for a period of three (3) months in the first instance.

The apprentices in the D7 Community Garden Programme will learn how to grow, harvest and market their produce, under the tutelage of Arona Fahie-Forbes, an expert agriculturist and seasoned entrepreneur.

Access to farmland @ Paraquita Bay

According to the press release, successful participants will then be granted access to a plot of farmland in Paraquita Bay to further their entrepreneurial endeavours.

Interested persons can register by contacting Roxane Toussaint via email roxanetoussaint@yahoo.com and mobile 443-6161.

The programme’s official launch will take place once apprentices are selected.

“The D7 Community Garden Programme is in line with the Government of the Virgin Islands’ vision for Agriculture, which contributes to the economic growth, social well-being and protection of the natural environment in the Territory,” the press release stated.