There was an element of surprise when residents, including schoolchildren, and visitors in drought-stricken Anguilla, turned up at the agricultural exhibition on Friday, May 3, 2019.
Many looked in amazement at what was grown on the island despite the lack of rain over the past months – believed to have been the driest period in Anguilla in recent years.
Rows of display stalls stretched across the agricultural department’s grounds in The Valley where multiple tents shaded exhibits, exhibitors and spectators from the searing heat of the sun.
Produce such as pumpkins, sweet peppers, tomatoes, other vegetables, and a large array of fruit, floral and ornamental plants, met the searching eyes of the lingering crowd that built up quickly throughout the day. Local eggs, ducks, exotic birds and animals for stud service were also exhibited.
In addition to the exhibits, by a number of farmers and backyard gardeners, the event was headlined by the Agricultural Department with its attractive layout plots of produce-bearing vegetables planted in make-shift containers as well as in mounds of mulched soil. A temporary imposing home and garden scene, and a multi-purpose gazebo, where produce was sold, greatly enhanced the exhibition grounds.
It was sometime since the last agricultural exhibition was held in Anguilla – and it appeared that this time served as a make-up for all the several years it had not taken place. Commenting on the event, held as if in defiance of the drought, Director of Agricultural, Mr. William Vanterpool, told The Anguillian newspaper:
“We have put in quite a bit of work to show persons that despite the drought, and that their yard or other land might be rocky etc, they can do a good deal of farming. It is fabulous, and thanks to the workers at the department for their hard work. We are hoping to have similar exhibitions all year round – and for the public to see bigger things. I also want to commend the private farmers and gardeners for coming forward to be an important part of the exhibition.”
Mr. Vanterpool added: “We have proven that despite the drought, once you have the know-how, there is a lot you can do. We have put that into practice to teach farmers how to conserve and utilise water so that they can grow plants and produce even in the dry weather. We have used different mulches to conserve water – plastic, black netting, grass and even sea moss. We have also used tyres, pots, pans and other utensils to show that you don’t have to use much water. This makes your garden inexpensive.”
The Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Curtis Richardson, congratulated the Director and staff of the department, and the National Farmers’ Association, for successfully hosting the 2019 Agricultural Exhibition. He was also grateful to his Ministerial Assistant, Mr. Othlyn Vanterpool, for his assistance – and to the farmers and backyard gardeners for their work and exhibits.
Minister Richardson noted that, according to scientific research, there is a link between living healthy lives and the food persons consumed. He encouraged all persons to grow more local produce to bring about that link in Anguilla.
President of the National Farmers’ Association, Mr. Conrad Gumbs, urged members of the public to “go local as it meant eating healthily and staying healthy.” He took the opportunity to call on the Government to assist farmers in every possible way to continue and improve their farming work.
