The Department of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Anguilla Tourist Board, designated Friday, February 25th as Market Day in Anguilla. It was the culmination of Buy Local month where February was dedicated towards showcasing the production of local food items.
Several stalls were erected on the outskirts of the Webster Park, under which many local vendors were able to exhibit and sell their farm produce, ornamental plants, poultry products, local beverages, crafts and other wares.
A significant purpose of Market Day was to encourage local residents to make every effort to till the soil in order to grow their own food and to promote local food security. Growing local food is essential, especially in an era of economic hardship, and considering global crises which may inhibit regular food imports to our island.
Moderator of the event was Anguilla Tourist Board’s Deputy Director, Mrs. Shellya Rogers-Webster. A Market Day Prayer was offered by Pastor Luciene McDonna. The Anguilla National Song was rendered by Mrs. Natalie Richardson Gumbs.
Mrs. Uldean Trim, Conservation Officer in the Department of Natural Resources, spoke of the importance of growing local food. Her address, in part, follows: “As if Covid-19 was not enough, we are no faced with an invasion of Russian forces in Ukraine which can have severe consequences on food supplies throughout the world. This unrest, coupled with the looming sanctions may result is an inevitable major underproduction in the agriculture and food distribution sectors.
This can lead to severe food shortages and a steep rise in the prices of raw materials. Fertilizer prices, which are already high, can see a sharp increase by another 40% in the near future. The price of wheat and other grains may also double. Let us not lose focus on how the conflict in Europe can affect energy prices, as global oil prices are extremely sensitive to supply disruptions. As this conflict drags the world into the perilous unknown, the question we should ask ourselves is how do we in little Anguilla mitigate these potential challenges.
“As a resilient, proactive and tenacious people, we have already taken the necessary steps in the right direction towards local food production and consumption and reduce our dependency on imported products…”
“It was the late, great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who once said, ‘If I can’t do great things, I can do small things in a great way.’ In April 2021, the Department of Natural Resources embarked upon a massive marketing drive to support our local farmers and fishers. This gave rise to our first ‘Buy Local’ campaign which culminated in Grand Open Market Day. Today marks another momentous occasion as we jointly celebrate the anniversary of Open Market Day, this year hosted in collaboration with the Anguilla Tourist Board.”
Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, also spoke to the gathering of vendors and patrons about the importance of growing local: “It is simply wonderful to see the strength of community that is put on display today. As a community, we have the power to build a strong and vibrant local food system. I hope that this month has inspired everyone across the island to think about the richness and variety of what is available on island and how we can become more self-sufficient and less dependent on imports.
“Strong community ties and abnormal levels of resilience have underpinned the widespread recovery efforts of both Hurricane Irma and the pandemic. As we move forward, supporting our local food producers will strengthen, not only our community, but also our economy. We can directly support local families by stimulating a market place of local businesses each focused on meeting the needs of local customers while promoting food security in Anguilla.”
The Governor stated that buying local reduces our impact on the environment for an island like Anguilla which has a rich biodiversity which we must appreciate and preserve.
Also speaking at the event was the Honorable Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Kyle Hodge. He said that though the farms are evidently affected by our hot sun and a lack of rain, the occupation of farming is a labour of love, even though it may seem like a love of labour.
“Food is something that we all must partake in. Sometimes we take it for granted how food appears on our shelves and our tables. But is farmers and fishers that take care of our most basic needs. I must therefore recognize and honour those who went before us who farmed and fished and fed their families and neighbours.”
He emphatically said the those who fished and farmed before us was our heroes who intensely labored and showed our people that we can grow some food locally to sustain ourselves.
