Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Karl Dawson has extended congratulations to the principal, staff and students of the Elmore Stoutt High School for executing a successful agricultural expo on its school grounds.

Dr. Dawson said, “This accomplishment confirms the truth in the well-known saying, “where there is a will, there is a way”. The hard work of the students and the dedication of leaders such as Mr. Cecil Hodge and Mr. Gordon cannot be commended enough. The benefits of the agriculture activity at the school are many”.

Persons attending the expo were able to tour the school gardens and purchase agricultural goods, juices, jams and jellies, which were all produced at the school.

The school’s agricultural project is part of the EU-sponsored RESEMBID Smart School Project, which is being led by the Department of Disaster Management. Dr. Dawson also commended Green VI’s leadership as a project partner which has allowed the school to obtain garden supplies, which include tools, a tool shed, a pergola, garden beds, compost soil, topsoil, trees and seeds.  GreenVI also secured funding from TMF (BVI) Ltd. to supply the school with a garden shade house.

Dr. Dawson further stated that as Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, he is supported by his staff at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and is seeking to re-energise the sector through greater engagement with producers and users of agriculture products.

He pledged to do his part in encouraging and supporting this programme and advocating on their behalf.

Honourable Dawson said, “We plan to include an online forum that would expose interested students to opportunities for agriculture education offered by various schools in the region during Agriculture and Fisheries Month to be held in March. I hope all those involved in the Agriculture club or enrolled in classes will find it possible to attend.”

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is responsible for ensuring of sustainable production, harvest and supply of safe, high quality food by regulating the agricultural and fisheries sectors.