Agriculture & Fisheries Senator GRENADA

  As Senator for Agriculture and Fisheries, I have been invited by the Grenada Conference of Seventh-day Adventists to speak during their National Prayer Caravan which began at 8:30 am today, 25 September. I will speak at 4:15 pm relative to our farmers and fishers within the present Covid-19 environment.  I invite our farmers and fishers to join in anytime during the day to the prayer caravan at the link below, to pray and support prayers on behalf of our nation at this difficult time. As Senator for Agriculture and Fisheries, I support the efforts of the Ministry of Health and the nation’s frontline workers, to keep the country safe in this unprecedented time. I am also grateful that Grenada’s agriculture and fisheries sectors remain on call to support our nation’s food security, and I appeal to our nation’s farmers and fisherfolk to adhere to the Covid-19 protocols and keep safe.  Please tune in at 4:15 pm when I will speak directly to them.  Zoom: https://us02web...

18 SEPTEMBER, 2020, ST. GEORGE’S: 16 September 2021 marked one year since I was elected by our Farmers and Fisherfolk to represent them as their Senator for Agriculture and Fisheries in the Upper House of the Grenada Parliament. Representing them in Parliament is a new experience that I am learning from every day. I am grateful for their trust in me.  I am listening to the voices of our Farmers and Fisherfolk as we strengthen bonds at all levels to find solutions, by exploring opportunities, and seeking redress on their behalf. Together, we are building stronger organisations and networks from the ground up towards a better life for them, their families and the nation. I thank all the Farmers and Fisherfolk, the line Ministers and staff at the ministries of Agriculture and Fisheries, Senator colleagues, the media and the general public for their insight, assistance, and guidance provided thus far.  I am grateful that Grenada’s agriculture and fisheries sectors remain on call...

  2 SEPTEMBER 2021, ST. GEORGE’S: The current rate of transmission of Covid-19 in Grenada is significant and we are seeing an increase in Covid-19 related deaths.  As Senator for Agriculture and Fisheries, I am appealing to all our farmers and fisherfolk to please comply with the requirements of the Covid-19 health and safety protocols to keep yourselves, your families, workers, and contacts safe.  I support the efforts of the Ministry of Health and the nation’s frontline workers, to keep the country safe, and I strongly encourage my constituents to get vaccinated.  END

  12 AUGUST 2021, ST GEORGE’S: Senator the Honourable Roderick St Clair, representative in Parliament of the agriculture and fisheries communities, is very pleased to learn of the appointment of Trevor Thompson as the Acting Chief Agriculture Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture.  From Monday, 9 August 2021, Trevor Thompson, a 36-year veteran at the ministry, was appointed to act as Chief Agriculture Officer.  In June, Senator St Clair posed a question for the Leader of Government’s Business, Senator the Honourable Simon Stiell, regarding the position of the Chief Agriculture Officer, vacant since Daniel Lewis retired in July 2020. Senator St Clair applauds Agriculture Minister Peter David in overcoming a major hurdle within the ministry. This appointment of a dedicated public officer, is a positive move for the ministry and of course, for the farming community.  Senator St Clair wishes Trevor Thompson all the best in his new role, and encourages the Ministry of ...

  In the Senate on Wednesday, 14 July 2021, Senator the Honourable Roderick St Clair would ask the Leader of Government Business, Senator the Honourable Simon Stiell the following questions on:  • The status and operations of the Praedial Larceny Fund  • Corporate Plan for the Ministries of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries • Types and number of scholarships awarded to Grenadians in the field of Agriculture and Fisheries and their related fields over the past ten (10) years, and status of the awardees.  Senator St Clair will also make contributions to the  • COVID-19 Cancellation of Carnival August Celebrations Bill, 2021  • Police (Amendment) Bill, 2021  • Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2021.   END

  29 JUNE 2021, ST GEORGE’S: Today we celebrate Fisherman’s Birthday in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. As the Senator for Agriculture and Fisheries, I wish everyone an enjoyable celebration. I want to applaud the efforts of fishermen, the fishing industry, and seamoss farmers, contributing to this economy as the number one agriculture export. We need to pay full homage and full recognition this so truly deserves.  I recognise the hard work of those who have gone before; those who have passed and who were lost at sea; the ailing; the elderly; those who have retired, and of course, their families. I recognise the youth and the women who keep taking the trade up. I recognise the vendors involved in selling the fish and the various persons in the supply chain, and needed inputs. I recognise the government for its infrastructure, ice machines, lights and other pending and forthcoming infrastructure, as well as the hardworking staff, the Minister and PS for their conti...

9 June 2021, ST. GEORGE’S: On Tuesday 8 June 2021, Senator the Honourable Roderick St. Clair presented two motions in the Senate.  The first motion: “that the activities and projects items presented in the now approved Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the Fiscal Year 1st January to 31st December 2021 be presented in a quarterly timeline to improve planning, implementation and monitoring.”   After rigorous debate, this motion was temporarily withdrawn to facilitate an amended version for future tabling.  The second motion contained two parts: “that the Minister for Agriculture be caused to act immediately in accordance with the powers vested in him under Section 4 of the Agriculture Compensation Act of 1995 to review and update the Crop Compensation Schedule of 1995 so that farmers can be justly compensated when they suffer crop loss or damage”  and “that section 4 of the act be modified to protect our farmers’ investments by specifically seeking a time by wh...

  7 JUNE 2021, ST. GEORGE ’ S: At the last meeting of the Senate, on Wednesday 2 June 2021, Senator Roderick St. Clair presented a petition. His motion for Government’s holistic review of the agreement between the government and Caribbean Agro Industries, for the benefit of farmers, was passed. The government submitted answers to several questions that were presented. These answers will be shared in future releases.  The Senate continues its meeting on Tuesday 8 June at 10 am. At that sitting, the senator will present his last motions, working on behalf of the farmers and fisherfolk. END

7 JUNE 2021, ST, GEORGE’S: Agriculture and Fisheries Senator Roderick St. Clair met with fresh produce exporters on Monday, 7 June 2021 to address a major challenge to the industry – freight. The current freight arrangement is unreliable, limited and truncated.  Callalloo, breadfruit, breadnut and soursop are some of the main items exported. The fresh produce exporters have a capacity to export 50,000 – 60,000 pounds weekly, and members of the sector must have their bulk cargo exported in a more efficient manner. The sector employs 500 – 600 people with $150,000 in salaries into the economy and $300,000 paid directly to farmers.  The senator has noted their concerns, and the negative impact this situation has on the farming community, as Grenada is losing export market opportunities; farmers’ income is lessened and the foreign exchange is significantly affected, especially in this current situation. The exporters want to see a plan to improve the volume and frequency of freig...

  5 JUNE 2021, ST GEORGE’S: Queen Elizabeth II has awarded two farmers the British Empire Medal (Civil Division) for their service and contribution to agriculture in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.  I congratulate farmers Evans Gooding and Leonard Joy Peters whose efforts and tenacity have been recognised through this significant award.  Mr. Gooding is the president of the North East Farmers Organisation (NEFO) in New Hampshire, St George. NEFO is well recognised locally, regionally and internationally as a leading farmers’ organisation because of his leadership and representation over the years. I have known Mr. Gooding for about 10 years, especially within the Caribbean Farmers Network. We attended several conferences together and worked on various initiatives and projects. He is dedicated to his farming and to structure and organisation.  Mr. Peters of La Sagesse is a longstanding farmer that I have personally known over two decades, and he has been farming for long...

  The Senate Order Paper of the 10th Parliament 4th Session to be held on Wednesday, June 02, 2021 at 9 am, lists a petition by Senator the Honourable Roderick St. Clair on behalf of farmers, for the review of the existing agreement between the Government of Grenada and the Caribbean Agro Industries Limited so that farmers can have more affordable feed.  The Senator has questions for the Leader of Government’s Business, Senator the Honourable Simon Stiell, unanswered at Sitting of the Senate held on Wednesday January 27, 2021, concerning Praedial Larceny, Farmers ID, and vendors; land policy; fisheries ice machines through a grant from the Japan International Cooperation System (JICS); the National Poultry Policy and finally on the Pestilential activities of rodents.  Senator St. Clair poses three new questions for the Leader of Government’s Business, which require written responses on the Praedial Larceny Fund; the Farm Machinery Pool of the Ministry of Agriculture and t...

  3 MAY 2021, ST GEORGE’S: In keeping with his stated approach in representing farmers and fishers, Senator for Agriculture and Fisheries, Roderick St. Clair, held a consultation with the Livestock and Poultry Farmers on 8 April 2021 in the Deluxe Cinema, Grenville, St. Andrew. Farmers from various parishes representing rabbit, poultry, small ruminants, cattle and pigs were present.  Farmers highlighted the need for them to be working together and establishing a database so that farmers can stay in touch with each other and share information. The poultry farmers expressed concerns that their poultry association needs to be revamped to provide much-needed services through its office. There was a call for more significant support for livestock extension service from the Ministry of Agriculture, housing for small ruminants, fencing, and labour support through the Government’s IMANI programme. The high cost of livestock feed, possible dumping of frozen chicken (importation priced...

  As we in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique join the rest of the world in recognising World Earth Day under the theme Restore Our Earth, we need to engage in earth-caring practices because our earth is our life.  If we keep damaging the Earth, ie its soil, water, air, trees, and forests, it becomes more difficult for mankind to survive.  As a nation, we must engage in climate-smart practices: activities such as organic production methods, and activities that protect our biodiversity, generate less air and sea pollution and conserve our waterways and water supply. Such practices are critical to Grenada’s food security. Public education and awareness are also important, so we can live on the earth now, and leave the earth in a better position to support our future generations.  As Senator for Agriculture and Fisheries, I implore us to engage in earth caring practices today and every day. Let us protect the Earth for a better life now and in the future. Today w...

17 APRIL 2021, ST GEORGE’S: Senator for Agriculture and Fisheries, Roderick St Clair, insists Grenada must kickstart Praedial Larceny enforcement.  He recommends that the many government vehicles laid up for want of a spare part, be immediately fixed and put to use. Perhaps the police garage can be used to repair these vehicles, or the mechanics at the Mirabeau Farm Machine Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture. They have previously achieved a similar mission. St Clair recommends no less than 30 Praedial Larceny patrols with officers/wardens empowered to enforce the Praedial Larceny legislation. “In that way, thieves and vendors will be scared. Thieves will be scared because they will be subject to charges, fines, and imprisonment. Vendors will also be scared therefore they will ensure they purchase produce from legit sources, else they will also be subject to charges, fines, and imprisonment.”  He also recommends that the patrols, working with the police, conduct Praedial L...

  9 APRIL 2021, ST GEORGE’S: As the Senator for Agriculture and Fisheries, I extend my prayers for the protection and safekeeping of the entire population of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly those directly affected by the La Soufriere volcano.  St. Vincent is a land with significant agro-production and fisherfolks, and I express my support for the Vincentian farmers and people especially those in the immediately affected area. I am familiar with some areas in the affected zone and I feel a sense of personal concern, having friends, family, farmers, fishers and acquaintances who are being touched by this development. With God’s grace, this situation will subside quickly and without too much loss.  It is time for us to give back, to support our Vincentian farmers who came to Grenada’s aid after hurricane Ivan. At this time, I urge our Grenadian farmers and fisherfolk to rise to the occasion to fill that food deficit ahead; for domestic consumption and to be a...

  April 7 is WORLD HEALTH DAY. This year, World Health Day falls within the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables. I am greatly appreciative of our fruits and vegetables farmers who provide healthy and nutritious food to Grenada. I thank them for their role in planting particularly indigenous crops to help us achieve food security, and for promoting sustainable use of our natural resources.  This World Health Day and moving forward, I implore our citizens to eat more locally grown fruits and vegetables to promote a diversified, balanced and healthy diet. ‘The greatest wealth is health.’ Virgil. Stay well, stay healthy. See what the World Health Organisations says about World Heath Day here .

  Senator Roderick St. Clair, Farming and Fishing Communities Representative is at the Trade Centre for today’s Consultation to strengthen Government collaboration with Fisherfolk and Identify Opportunities to Sustainably Build a Resilient local Fisheries Sector.  Senator Roderick St. Clair expressing his expectations for the outcome of the consultation. In his opening remarks, Senator Roderick St. Clair expressed appreciation to the many fisherfolks who have come to let their voices be heard, and looks forward to good transfers of knowledge, more local products on the market, protecting the environment for sustainability, and innovative ways to build a resilient and sustainable fisheries sector.

17 FEBRUARY 2021, ST GEORGE’S: The Ministry of Fisheries, in co-ordination with Roderick St Clair, Senator for Agriculture and Fisheries have organised a consultation of Fisherfolks at the Grenada Trade Centre, Morne Rouge, St George’s on Thursday 18th February 2021, from 9am to 1:30pm. The consultation is to improve support and coordination to Fisherfolks (fishers, seamoss farmers, seine fishers, divers, etc) and to receive contributions, feedback, suggestions for innovative solutions which can be used to advise the Government on programming strategies to better support Grenada’s Fisheries Sub-sector. END

Cell phones are not just for talking. In the hands of our farmers and fisherfolk, the power of this technology can forge new enterprise cultures in agriculture and fisheries, critical to overall productivity.  Affordable smartphones in the hands of our farmers mean they can  receive planting advice and disease diagnoses from the Ministry of Agriculture or CARDI weather information  be assisted with planning and coordination exchange information with other farmers (peer advice/assistance; knowing who is planting what and when to avoid a glut on the market)  inform supermarkets, hotels and wholesale buyers what they have in stock, and receive orders  receive payments via online banking through banks or credit unions. We need to take advantage of the profound effect that cellphone technology might have on Grenada’s efforts to reduce our import food bill, consistently deliver more produce at affordable prices, and support our national food security.  For much o...

  31 DECEMBER 2020, ST GEORGE’S: Over a 30-year period, on the advice of Her Majesty’s Grenada Ministers, Queen Elizabeth II has awarded 54 men and women for their service and contribution to agriculture, farming, fishing, agro-processing, horticulture, shipwright, seafaring, sugar, bananas, and poultry.  Grenada, our farmers and fisherfolk are doing their part to put food on our plates and we must be proud that they are being publicly acknowledged across the Commonwealth. I commend the nominating committee for including agriculture and fisheries for these awards, and for recognising and acknowledging these stalwarts in our communities. Our nation should be inspired by our homegrown heroes and motivated to grow what we eat, and eat what we grow.  This is the awardee list from 1987 – 2021 as taken from the London Gazette. The awards are  • CBE: Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire  • OBE: Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British...