Samal Duggins says Agriculture and Food Fair in St Croix was a huge success

Samal Duggins - Minister of Agriculture St Kitts and Nevis lauded the Agriculture & Food Fair in St Croix, and labelled it as a "huge success". He added that several businesses from the island participated in the event and showcased their preneur.

Minister of Agriculture Samal Duggins along with his team attended the 52^nd Agriculture and Food Fair of the US Virgin Islands in St Croix and acclaimed it as a huge success. He said that the fair provided an ideal platform for entrepreneurs from St Kitts and Nevis to showcase their products and forge valuable connections. The fair was held from February 17 to 19 and featured various agriculture entrepreneurs from across the Caribbean.

Over nine businesses participated in the fair from St Kitts and Nevis, including Camesha Morton, and Leon Cuffy as well as Native Radiance, Mother Becky Bush Tea and Fresh Vybe who showcased the diversity and quality of the locally manufactured products. The products ranged from beauty and wellness to herbal teas as well as organic produce.

[caption id="attachment_68501" align="aligncenter" width="100%"] Participant from St Kitts and Nevis in St Croix[/caption] Morton who is the owner of Nature’s Best said that her products received a warm reception and noted that people have been very receptive to the products and the concept that a healthy body means a healthy life. She also thanked Minister Duggins and his team for facilitating the participation of small businesses at this huge platform. On the other hand, Cuff who represented her small business Arise and Shine Essence said that the 52^nd Agriculture and Food Fair in St Croix gave her a chance to establish positive connections with other businesses across the Caribbean. He said that the experience was enriching, and it was his first time participating in such a fair. In addition to this, the farmers from St Kitts and Nevis also thanked the Agriculture Ministry for their unwavering support throughout their recent trip to St Croix. Paulette Peets, a participating farmer, emphasized, "Thanking Minister Duggins for supporting us and making it possible for us to attend the St. Croix farmers fair because the last couple of years, we had to put our hands in our pockets to get here but Mr. Duggins and his ministry made it possible for us to be here this year and I am very thankful."

Another farmer named Claudette Vanderpool remarked that it has been a long time since St Kitts and Nevis wasn’t participating in this annual fair and gave his gratitude to Minister Duggins.

[caption id="attachment_68502" align="aligncenter" width="100%"] Minister Duggins and SKN farmers at the Food Fair (PC - Facebook)[/caption] Notably, the St Kitts and Nevis delegation also secured top honours at the USVI Off Island Exhibition at the Annual Food Fair. Emontine Thompson of Nevis, clinched first place while the St Kitts Cooperative Society placed second.

Thompson said, “We came in first place and I am here with the Minister of Agriculture of St Kitts, Samal Duggins, who gave me the support to be here. He really supported me and I want to say thank you.” Moreover, Minister Samal Duggins also lauded the farmers for their dedication and said that he will continue to provide them with such platforms.