Mrs Stoutt Igwe, whose portfolio includes agriculture, added that the Government of the Virgin Islands’ attendance at this event was also indicative of the strong ongoing partnership between the VI and the USVI, reflective of the shared bond, history and culture of Virgin Islanders from both territories.

“The three-day cultural exchange served as a capacity-building opportunity for the Government of the Virgin Islands in the area of food security, networking in the agricultural sector, capitalising on natural resources, and overall agricultural development. It will also be useful in the planning of the upcoming BVI Fishers and Farmers Week,” the PS said in a press release from Government Information Services (GIS) on February 22, 2023.

VI inspired ahead of Farmers & Fishers Week

Meanwhile, Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr Theodore E. James, described the USVI’s Agrifest 2023 as inspirational, particularly ahead of the Territory’s Farmers and Fishers Week 2023 to be held March 17 to 23 on each of the four main islands.

Mr James said: “The USVI Agrifest 2023 was a spectacular display of agriculture, food and culture. I congratulate our neighbours, family and friends in the USVI for organising such a successful event. As we revive and rebrand our celebration of food and culture through Farmers’ and Fishers’ Week in the Virgin Islands, USVI Agrifest was truly inspirational.”

Head of the Government of the Virgin Islands’ delegation, Dr. Lavon Chalwell-Brewley, who is the desk officer for agriculture expressed her gratitude to Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Agriculture USVI Mrs. Riise Richards for extending an invitation to the Territory to attend the event, which is traditionally attended by the Virgin Islands.

The delegation included Assistant Secretary (Protocol Officer) in the Premier's Office Dr. Lavon Chalwell-Brewley, Director of the Department of Fisheries and Agriculture Mr Theodore E. James, Agriculture Officer Mr Orville Clarke and Assistant Secretary in the Premier's Office and desk officer for Agriculture and Fisheries, Mrs Tessa Smith- Claxton.

Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Mrs Carolyn E. Stoutt Igwe said the [British] Virgin Islands’ attendance at the 51st Annual Agricultural and Food Fair of the US Virgin Islands (USVI) in St Croix last weekend was indicative of the strong ongoing partnership between the VI and the USVI, reflective of the shared bond, history and culture of Virgin Islanders from both territories.