What's Happening?
Greg C.E. Rawlins, the IICA ECS Representative, met with Lisa Jawahir, Saint Lucia's newly appointed Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Climate Change. The meeting included Permanent
Secretary Bradley St. Ange and Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Randel Esnard. Rawlins provided an overview of IICA's mandate and pledged support for the Ministry's programs. The meeting was part of preparations for Minister Jawahir's upcoming trip to Costa Rica for the inauguration of Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim as IICA's Director General. Upon her return, a comprehensive briefing on ongoing projects will be conducted to align IICA's support with the Ministry's objectives.
Why It's Important?
This meeting signifies a strengthening of ties between IICA and Saint Lucia's agricultural sector. The collaboration aims to enhance food security, climate change resilience, and sustainable agricultural practices in the region. Minister Jawahir's engagement with IICA is crucial for aligning international support with national priorities, potentially leading to improved agricultural productivity and economic growth. The partnership could also address challenges such as climate change impacts and food security, which are critical for the island's development.
What's Next?
Following Minister Jawahir's trip to Costa Rica, further discussions will take place to refine the collaboration between IICA and Saint Lucia. The focus will be on implementing projects that support the Ministry's vision for agriculture. This may include initiatives to improve infrastructure, technology adoption, and climate resilience. The outcomes of these discussions could shape the future of Saint Lucia's agricultural policies and international partnerships.
