What's Happening?
Greg C.E. Rawlins, the IICA ECS Representative, recently met with Lisa Jawahir, Saint Lucia’s newly appointed Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Climate Change. The meeting, which
included Permanent Secretary Bradley St. Ange and Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Randel Esnard, was a courtesy visit where Mr. Rawlins provided an overview of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and its key thematic areas. He assured the Minister of IICA's full support in advancing the Ministry's programs. Minister Jawahir is preparing for a trip to Costa Rica to attend the inauguration of Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim as IICA’s Director General for the 2026-2030 term. During her visit, she will engage with the Director General and other officials, and tour the IICA Headquarters. Mr. Rawlins presented the Minister with an IICA token, expressing confidence in her leadership. Upon her return, a comprehensive briefing on ongoing projects and initiatives will be conducted to align IICA’s support with the Minister’s vision for Saint Lucia’s agricultural sector.
Why It's Important?
This meeting signifies a strengthening of ties between Saint Lucia and the IICA, which could lead to enhanced support for the island's agricultural sector. The collaboration is crucial as it aligns with global efforts to address food security and climate change challenges. The IICA's support could help Saint Lucia implement sustainable agricultural practices, improve food security, and adapt to climate change impacts. This partnership may also open opportunities for Saint Lucia to access international expertise and resources, potentially boosting the local economy and improving livelihoods in the agricultural sector. The Minister's upcoming engagement in Costa Rica could further solidify these ties and bring additional insights and strategies to Saint Lucia.
What's Next?
Following Minister Jawahir's return from Costa Rica, the IICA Delegation plans to conduct a detailed briefing on current projects and initiatives. This will facilitate discussions on the Minister's vision and priorities for the agricultural sector, ensuring that IICA's support is effectively aligned with these goals. The outcomes of these discussions could lead to new initiatives or the expansion of existing programs, potentially impacting policy decisions and resource allocation within the Ministry. Stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including farmers and local businesses, may need to prepare for potential changes or new opportunities arising from this collaboration.
