The Ministry and Department of Natural Resources, in Anguilla, have been given much commendation for holding the first Open Market Day on the island. It gave farmers and arts and crafts persons the opportunity to showcase and sell their varied products in a manner that attracted tremendous public support.
The all-day event was held on July 16 at what has been dubbed “Market Square”, a location – immediately west of the Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary – between the People’s Market, which is soon to be repaired as the main place for selling and purchasing produce, and the well-patronised Food Strip.
Kyle Hodge
The theme of Open Market Day was: “It’s Local, It’s Fresh! Home Grown is Always Best.”
The keynote address was delivered by Minister of Economic Development, Investment, Information Technology and Natural Resources, Mr. Kyle Hodge.
“Today marks the first of something good happening for our local producers – farmers and fisher-folk,” he began his address, “Today marks the opening of Open Market Day, and I am delighted to see the many farmers, fisher-folk and all the different producers who are here at the People’s Market Square. It is the first time that I am actually hearing this site being referred to as ‘the People’s Market Square’ and, to me, it means that it is perfect for this location.
“It is a location that has great potential to develop and I look forward, in the near future, to see the People’s Market functioning to full capacity, filled with many vendors with their fruits and vegetables and the many varieties of seafood. I long for that day. And, as we begin the construction of The Valley Main Road, in a few weeks, we will see that this building here will be fixed up for the people to have a space to sell their stuff. I also look forward to the day when this space, in front here, will be paved with either concrete or asphalt or, as the Minister of MICU always says, ‘chip and seal.’”
Minister Hodge, who said his Ministry, “has a case to build”, continued: “We are here today after being set back by a [COVID 19] cluster outbreak, in March and April, and I want to place on record my thanks and appreciation for the hard work by the team from the Agricultural Department for sticking with it, and ensuring that we have the first Open Market Day in Anguilla at the People’s Market Square. I also want to place on record my thanks and appreciation to the farmers and the fisher-folk who are here today; the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Chanelle Petty-Barrett; Department Heads – Willy Vanterpool, Melissa; and Ms. Trim, the new (Marketing Officer). Thanks also to the farmers and the fisher-folk who are not here today. They are out in the fields and on the sea. Their job in Anguilla’s climate, and low-lying topography, is a hard one – and they have to work extra hard to reap the benefits of their labour.”
Minister Hodge, known for his foresightedness and commitment to action, continued:
“It is time to move towards the technological side of farming and to engage in new techniques – whether it is in farming or fishing. This is because, in our climatic conditions, the hydroponics, shade houses, containerised vertical farming, and the areoponics, are the ways to go. We have made all of these items duty-free so take advantage of them. The yield from these modern ways of farming bears much fruit; and once you produce – and I know that you can produce – we will find ways to get your produce and your catch to the market so that you can constantly supply that market.
Meade
“I have no doubt that we will get there. In fact, the Department of Agriculture has already begun reaching out to the supermarkets to bridge that gap, so I say kudos to the Department for taking that step. The Department will be increasing its extension services which will also involve forecasting. This will go a long way towards eliminating unnecessary imports of foreign produce when we have the local produce that is right here – healthier; lasts longer; and that simply tastes better.”
The Minister, in response to a question, raised by Mr. George Lennard Kentish, about the availability of capital funds for the necessary equipment, said he was aware that it was a matter to explore.
The other speakers included Ms. Melissa Meade, Chief Natural Resources Officer; Ms. Avenella Griffith, who delivered the Opening Prayer; Ms. Uldean Trim, Marketing Officer, who gave the welcome and opening remarks; Mr. Lennard Kentish who gave the Vote of Thanks; musicians Mr. Kaseem Thompson; Mr. Casey Richardson; Mr. Kamal Vanterpool – and the organiser, Mr. Lennox Vanterpool.
Meanwhile, Premier and Minister of Finance and Health, Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster, congratulated the Minister of Natural Resources and his team for organising Open Market Day. He said in part:
“Open Market Day was held on the 16th of July and I think it was very successful. I went there and there were many stalls set up with plants, craft and paintings. I think it was good that Anguillians can showcase their talents. I want to thank the Minister, Kyle Hodge; the Ministry of Natural Resources; and the Agricultural Department – for the hard work that they put in together. I also want to thank the people of Anguilla for their support because they came out, and I think this is certainly something that should be done more often to show up the talents we have. I think people are realising that we can diversify the economy if we put our heads and minds to it.”
