The public is reminded that the Department of Conservation and Fisheries has been disbanded and all matters concerning fisheries should be directed to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture.

Stakeholders were given an opportunity to voice their opinion and concerns on the Agriculture and Fisheries industry in the Territory at a stakeholder meeting on Wednesday, August 14.

Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley has said that initiatives including building a market, improving land space usage and providing water to farmers are on the front burner to enable a thriving agriculture industry in the Virgin Islands.

Mr. Speaker I thank you for opportunity to address the people of the Virgin Islands.  Allow me to update the public on the state of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Mr. Theodore E. James has been appointed to act as Director in the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries effective July 2.

Charter Boat Captains and their guests are advised to cease and desist with immediate effect, from the harvesting of spiny lobsters from the seabed, especially in the area of Anegada.

Farmers and fishermen are invited to a meeting to discuss Climate Risk Adaptation and Insurance in the Caribbean on Thursday, October 25.

The public is invited to a Cultural Food Fair on October 19 in observance of World Food Day.

World Food Day will be observed in the Virgin Islands with a Cultural Food Fair hosted by the Department of Agriculture.

Madame Speaker, I rise to provide an update on the state of the combined fishing and farming industry. Following a series of public consultations that the Premier and his team conducted after the hurricanes, a number of issues were identified in the fishing and farming communities.