The event was well supported particularly by farmers, who displayed their many produce, products and livestock.

Patrons were also able to purchase a variety of fresh organic produce, including bananas, plantains, pineapples, eggplant, spinach, papayas, and passion fruit.

Attractions for the children included viewing some tortoises and horseback riding.

Members of government giving support to Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) were Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL), Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) and Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles.

Farmers and Fishers’ Week 2021 was celebrated under the theme: ‘Restore, Increase, Sustain and Educate’ abbreviated as ‘RISE’.

Other events for Farmers and Fishers Week included ceremonies for the renaming of the fisherman’s dock in Baughers Bay, the opening of the animal pound and the dedication of a new tractor and animal trailers at Paraquita Bay. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries also hosted an open house to allow the community to tour its grounds and learn more about the Department’s work.

Tough time for farmers & fishers

This year, farmers and fishers were collectively celebrated as food producers and emphasis was placed on public awareness and education.

“Our intention, Mr Speaker is not to mirror what has happened before, as we are still very much in a state of recovery, and recovery can take time. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns with security, fishers, for instance, could not fish as they were used to, particularly into the evening and early morning hours. In terms of our farmers, we only need to look around and see that we are experiencing some drier conditions resulting in lower production levels for many farmers.

“Nonetheless, we must continue to support and encourage our fishers and farmers in their efforts to innovate and be adaptive. We want to keep them at the forefront of our discussions about our future as a Territory, as we work through ways to carry forward these sectors in ways that ensure they remain with us forever,” Dr Wheatley stated in the House of Assembly on April 15, 2021.