News

The Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, and Infrastructure of the Cayman Islands, under the guidance of Honourable Minister, Johany “Jay” Ebanks, is proud to spotlight its unwavering commitment to the Cayman Islands National Food and Nutrition Security Policy (CINFS) as it participates in the 17th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) in Nassau, Bahamas.

Representing our commitment at this prestigious event are the Ministry’s Chief Officer, Mr. Eric Bush, and the Acting Director of Agriculture, Mr. Brian Crichlow.

This esteemed event gathers prominent organizations and delegates, such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), , the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), The Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAFSA) the Caribbean Agri-business Association (CASPA) the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), and various regional and international organisations and Universities. Together, they aim to exchange pivotal insights on the latest advancements, innovations, and best practices in the agricultural realm. This gathering takes on added significance considering the Caribbean's challenge of contending with the world's highest prices for nutritious foods.

The Caribbean's considerable reliance on imports, constituting nearly 90% of its food consumption, is a pressing concern. In response, the region, unified in purpose, has initiated the "25 by 2025" strategy, led by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). This strategy endeavours to achieve a 25% reduction in food import dependency by 2025.

Chief Officer, Mr. Eric Bush remarked, "It's an honour to represent the Cayman Islands at this pivotal event. Our commitment to the '25 by 2025' initiative reflects our dedication to food security and sustainability. As leaders from across the Caribbean converge to discuss and mitigate the pressing agricultural issues of our region, I am confident that the collective vision and collaboration will pave the way for a more resilient and food-secure future. The theme 'Accelerating Vision 25 by 2025' resonates deeply with our aspirations."

Agriculture stands as the cornerstone of our vision for regional food security and sustainability. Our Ministry is LEADing a multifaceted approach, emphasizing both comprehensive strategic measures through the Cayman Islands Food and Nutrition Security Policy and specific initiatives. Key among these are the "National Egg Strategy," (NEST; National Livestock Development Programme expansion, a comprehensive "Land-Use License Policy," the Cayman Islands Agricultural Business Information System (CI-ABIS) enhanced farmer extension and training the "Flex Farms" promotion in conjunction with the "Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator Programme", the "National School Garden Programme," and the modernisation of key legislation, of which are pleased to have the Parliament pass the "Plant Protection Act 2023".

Key Outcomes Expected:

• Strengthened Collaborative Ties: Enhanced cooperation and collaboration between Caribbean countries and international agricultural bodies.

• Knowledge Exchange: Sharing of best practices, statistical data, innovations, and emerging trends in agriculture, including key research in improved crop and forage varieties and production systems.

• Policy Direction: Gaining insights to further refine and enhance our National Food and Nutrition Security Policy.

• Strategic Partnerships: Establishing new partnerships and strengthening existing ones, particularly focusing on sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices.

• Community Engagement: Fostering a sense of community involvement and understanding of the importance of local agriculture. Enhancing intra-regional trade in agricultural commodities and the safe movement of critical germplasm for establishment of enhanced crop varieties.

• Education and Communication: Elevating awareness and understanding of the significance of healthy eating, and fostering a transformative change in societal mindsets towards nutrition. Advancing Agricultural Sciences into the educational forefront, demonstrating the benefits of incorporating into school curriculums at primary school level.

Our comprehensive plans and policies, coupled with these initiatives, underscore the Ministry’s proactive approach to transform the agricultural landscape of the Cayman Islands, champion local food production, and guarantee a sustainable and food-secure future.

Chief Officer, Mr. Eric Bush joined by Acting Director of Agriculture, Mr. Brian Crichlow, emphasized; “By engaging with the opportunities the CWA offers, we aim to incorporate global expertise, recognize international trends, and refine our strategies for the benefit of the Cayman Islands and the Caribbean at large.”

In conclusion, the Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to continue “LEADing” the modernisations of the agricultural sector of the Cayman Islands, supporting the overarching vision of a nutritionally secure and environmentally sustainable Caribbean.