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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
 The
Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States
(OAS), Albert Ramdin, called for reforms in agriculture in the Caribbean
including increased public-private partnerships and renewed focus on
research and development during a conference this week in Barbados on
food security and the economic implications of reliance on food imports.
Among the specific areas of concern, the OAS Assistant Secretary
General cited the rising food import bill of the Caribbean region which
now totals over US $4 billion, and its comparatively low agricultural
output. Assistant Secretary General Ramdin said food security has become
one of the most actionable items of this era, raised at almost every
major meeting, assembly or conference, including Summits of the Americas
and OAS General Assemblies, yet noted that execution of many
commitments is often delayed. "Five years ago we identified key
challenges: the lack of entrepreneurship and investment, ageing farmers,
severe weather events and antiquated practices, but I am not sure we've
acted enough to correct it. Five years later many of us are in the same
position," said Ramdin.
Commending the government of Barbados for undertaking such a
focused discussion, the high ranking OAS official described the
situation in the Caribbean as worrisome: "the reality is that we simply
do not have direct control over a significant percentage of our food
supply, and we are increasingly vulnerable to every change or disruption
in external production," added Ramdin.
Pointing to a direct link between food security, development,
poverty, social and political stability, Ambassador Ramdin also urged
governments to focus more strategic efforts and resources to increase
growth in the sector by considering more public-private partnerships and
examining the potential of dedicating more state land to agriculture.
Ramdin called on governments to reinvest in research and
development institutions and to rebuild agricultural traditions. "We
must be consistent in our efforts, ensuring there is a second generation
of creative, technologically advanced farmers, or growers,” said
Ramdin.
The Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water of
Barbados David Estwick took part in the conference, as did Minister of
Health John Boyce, Principal of the University of the West Indies Cave
Hill Sir Hilary Beckles, officials of the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the Inter-American Institute
for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the National Agricultural
Commission, farmers, representatives of non-governmental organizations
and McGill University Dean Chandra Madramottoo.
For more information, please visit the OAS Website at www.oas.org.
© Copyright 2013 by thebahamasweekly.com
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