Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew has welcomed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the government and the US-based Southern University to further develop the agricultural sector here.
“That type of knowledge that would have been gathered over the years will come to St Kitts and Nevis to help us to advance as a Federation,” he said, sharing his administration’s vision of transforming the twin-island Federation into a sustainable island state.
He said increasing food security and reducing the enormous agricultural import bill is a key component of this strategy.
“The Southern University system fits perfectly in the sense that you have now become our partners with a specific type of expertise and knowledge, which actually will help to propel us to achieve our sustainable island state goal,” he said.
“And so I want to welcome you to be a part of this grand march towards creating a sustainable future – a future that is critical for our development and survival.”
The MOU was signed between Agriculture Minister Samal Duggins and Dr Orlando F. McMeans, Chancellor-Dean, SU Agricultural Research and Extension Center.
The government said that the partnership encompasses various aspects, bringing numerous advantages to both farmers and the wider community. It said the Southern University Agriculture Research & Extension Centre (SUAREC) will offer crucial advisory services to the Ministry, enhancing the knowledge and skills of the Federation’s farming sector.
“This joint effort is designed to improve agricultural methods and bolster the farming community with advanced knowledge and techniques in fields like crop enhancement, medicinal plant studies (particularly in medicinal cannabis), and animal husbandry.
“Beyond providing consultancy, SUAREC is also dedicated to promoting food safety within the Federation. The centre plans to conduct certification courses in food safety for vendors, aimed particularly at helping them obtain food handlers permits,” the statement said.
Duggins recalled the discussions to make the signing a reality saying “we celebrate agriculture and the work that Southern University is bringing to our shores, and as we celebrate our people, (it) is indeed special.
“You see, as a small country, our aim is to develop and thrive, something that you know very well about because our struggles have been quite similar. Your university has gone through years of development, a journey which you are willing to add to our own success. We too have gone through years of development in our own way, and that partnership is what we are willing to share and build on.”
The Agriculture Minister said that the MOU symbolises more than just a formal agreement; it represents a bridge between two cultures, recognising their similarities and celebrating their unique strengths.
He said the government and Southern University look forward to a fruitful partnership, one that promises to bring about significant advancements in agriculture and contribute to the overall development of St Kitts -Nevis.
In September this year, the first MOU between the government and SU offered opportunities for St Kitts-Nevis nationals to pursue tertiary education courses and degrees at reduced costs.
