Gov’t to build agriculture hub for local farmers

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has announced that the government plans to develop a new agriculture complex at Paraquita Bay to boost local food production and improve crop distribution.

Speaking at a recent press conference, Dr Wheatley said the new facility would act as a central collection and distribution point for produce grown by local farmers.

“When we build the agriculture complex in Paraquita Bay, one thing I’m going to start is actually buying produce from farmers. We’ll have a central point to be able to distribute goods to supermarkets, to hotels, etc,” he explained.

The move comes as regional leaders, including those from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), have raised alarm about the threat posed by global tariff changes and supply chain disruptions. In March, OECS members agreed to meet monthly to coordinate regional strategies for food security, including harmonising tariffs and improving intra-regional transport.

“Food security is a real threat to the people of the BVI,” Dr Wheatley stressed. “We have to recognise the urgency of the moment.”