Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley has said that his ministry plays an important role in diversifying the economy of the Virgin Islands.

Honourable Wheatley told the educators at a recent planning day that the conversation about diversifying the Territory’s economy has been ongoing for years and that it is now absolutely necessary for it to take place. He said his ministry is very important to the plans of the entire Government and in order to play its part in the diversification, the people must be trained in areas including agriculture.

“We can’t just talk we have to perform. In fact, the Premier put five million dollars of revenue into the budget that agriculture will make,” the Minister said. He added, “For this to happen we have to work. The college has an integral role to play to ensuring that we align our education system, along with all the other levels, with our economy.”

Minister Wheatley further added that planning days are an integral part of being able to deliver the mandate that the Government has for the people. He thanked the ministry for coordinating the day, commended the hardworking educators and urged that they remain focused on delivering the plans put forward in the Budget Address and the Speech from the Throne.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honouarble Andrew A Fahie had stated in his 2020 Budget Address that his Government will support the establishment of commercial farming and fishing enterprises, and active farming and fishing cooperatives; and will explore the possibility of an agricultural and fishery curriculum at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

This will allow for more persons to explore profitable opportunities in fisheries and agriculture and in turn boost the industry allowing for more revenue in the Territory.

To view the 2020 Budget Address delivered by the Premier, visit the Government’s Facebook Page or by using the link, http://bit.ly/BVI2020BudgetAddress. The Speech from the Throne delivered by His Excellency the Governor Mr. Augustus Jaspert can also be read using the link http://bit.ly/2DIZ6Cl.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture strives to provide high quality education in order to enrich the lives of all residents of these Virgin Islands.