The month of April is being designated as ‘Buy Local Month’ with regard to food consumption in Anguilla. The theme of this agricultural initiative is: “It’s Local, it’s Fresh; Homegrown is Always Best”. An informative meeting was held at the Department of Natural Resources on Tuesday, March 30th, to boost the plans for the month — and to encourage the local populace to buy locally grown food items, instead of consuming imported items which are liable to pose a hazard to good health.
Moderating the meeting was Chief Natural Resources Officer, Ms. Melissa Meade. Several agricultural personnel were on hand to deliver remarks that generally called on the public to turn their attention to either planting their own food or buying food that is locally produced. An opening prayer was offered by Pastor Dwayne Adams, after which Ms. Meade made a few remarks:
“Recognising that this sector of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment is of strategic importance in Anguilla, it has made one giant leap towards inclusiveness with other sectors of society. We are currently under pressure to increase production and to provide quality food to local consumers. We also seek to minimise risks posed by climate change, such as weather shocks, hurricanes, floods and droughts.”
Ms. Meade highlighted the fact the agricultural sector is constrained by limited resources as well as market access. However, she noted that there were technical persons within her Department who can assist in maneuvering against certain adverse conditions. She observed that a key objective of the Department was to ensure that food production in Anguilla was an achievable goal, and that everyone who advocates reliance on local food must ensure that there is a healthy habitat for business development — from the fishers, to the livestock raisers and crop farmers.
Ms. Meade added: “As a community, we can be vocal about buying local. This focus period [the month of April] is an occasion to foster change on our part through the decisions that we make as we put the spotlight on making better choices with our health in mind.”
The Director of Natural Resources/Fisheries, Ms. Kafi Gumbs, spoke on the benefits of eating local fish: “I want to declare that there are great benefits in eating fish,” she said. “Fish provides you with omega-3 fatty acids, proteins and vitamins. Fish is good for you, especially our locally caught, fresh fish. Being able to buy and consume local fish should mean a lot to us as individuals. In some parts of the world, fish is caught and exported to foreign markets, leaving the local communities to buy imported fish.”
She further observed that in some countries fish is contaminated because of polluted waters, but our Anguillian fish is very nice,” she boasted. As regards Anguilla fish being exported to St. Maarten, the Virgin Islands, and Asian countries regularly, “these people love our fish,” she bragged. “If our fish is good for them, then our own fish is great for us. Our fish is fresh, and it has good quality and great taste. When you buy local fish, without the foreign label on it, you know where it comes from. You know it is fresh, and you are supporting and stimulating the local economy while maintaining your good health. ‘It’s local and fresh — and homegrown is always best.’”
Remarks were also given by the Director of Natural Resources/ Fisheries, Mr. William Vanterpool. He made mention of the importance of local food production, especially in this critical time of a world-wide pandemic: “The launch of this first ‘buy local’ month is very timely,” he noted. “Its theme, ‘It’s Local, It’s Fresh; Homegrown is Always Best’, is most appropriate as we seek to promote and showcase what is grown here in Anguilla. This launch also comes at a time when, in the face of this global pandemic, our attention is drawn to the reality of local food production and the importance of our own food security.
“Let us not forget what occurred over a little more than a year ago when the announcement was made that our borders, and those of the region and further afield, would be closed. Panic set in, and the reality of the possibility of food shortage faced us. Finally, our decision makers saw the importance of local food production. The possibility of a halt in regional and international trade meant that those containers of the foreign foods, that we so love and cherish from overseas, might not have reached our shores.”
However, he pointed out that the newly formed Department of Natural Resources was called upon to be a new engine of economic growth, having witnessed the fragility of the tourism sector. “The notion of not putting all of your eggs in one basket was real,” he reflected.
Mr. Vanterpool went on: “I want to thank our farmers, and backyard gardeners, for stepping up to the plate and answering the call to be leaders in local food production and food security. But farmers, that window of opportunity is slowly closing. We need to show to Anguilla, and the rest of the world, that agriculture is a viable business, and we have the chance now to make a serious contribution to our economy as well as to promote healthy living.
“Finally, farmers, let us continue to work together with the Department and Ministry to make food security a reality here in Anguilla. Remember, ‘It’s local and fresh, and homegrown is always the best.’”
One such farmer to whom Mr. Vanterpool was referring was the President of the National Farmers’ Association, Mr. Conrad Gumbs, who is an avid agriculturist. His remarks took on a serious tone with regard to the impact that the consumption of unhealthy food can have on Anguillians’ health: “Growing what you eat, or buying locally grown food, whether it is meat, poultry, provisions, local fruits or vegetables, comprises the best nutritional value for your diet. Growing and eating local food is not only healthier for us as a people, but also for our environment.”
After spelling out many other benefits that can be derived from consuming locally grown food, Mr. Gumbs concluded: “I encourage our people to grow and buy local food. We should all be resolved to turn to local produce for healthier, wealthier and safer lifestyles. If we all eat locally grown food we can probably reduce the number of patients that go on the machines for dialysis treatment every year, and perhaps we can even reduce the number of sick-days in the civil service as well.”
The Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Kyle Hodge, among other things, expressed his admiration for the theme/slogan. He stated: “I am happy to be part of this important launch today for ‘buy local’ month,” he said, “and I am totally in love with the slogan: ‘It’s Local, it’s Fresh; Homegrown is Always Best’. I would like for us to give a round of applause to the person or persons who came up with such an applicable theme.” (Attendees applauded.) “This is a message that is loud and clear,” he commented.
“Homegrown is always the best for many reasons,” he observed. “The most obvious reason is that it is healthier — it’s organic and does not contain those harmful pesticides but, most importantly, it is best because we in Anguilla pride ourselves in producing what is best. Our farmers and backyard gardeners go all out to ensure the best quality of our produce, for our farmers’ goal is customer satisfaction. So let’s buy local, for homegrown is always best.”
He made a point in assuring all farmers, home growing enthusiasts, and all fisher-folk, that he and his associates in Government pledge their support for their efforts in local food production. He said that his ministry, the Ministry of Economic Development and Natural Resources, is fully committed to doing all it can for the diversification and growth of Anguilla’s economy in a way that benefits local producers, farmers and fisher-folk.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
