Officials from the Ministries of Culture and Agriculture announced a packed agenda during this week’s launch of the nomination period, throughout September, to recognise pioneering farmers at this coming National Heroes Day.

The start of a new fruit and vegetable distribution service, as well as plans to enhance local food-security and to host a major Caribbean agriculture conference in 2016, will bring agriculture further into the spotlight in the coming year, officials said.

This increased focus on agriculture will complement preparations for National Heroes Day 2016, which is to highlight early pioneers and current leaders in the agricultural industry. Nominations will continue through the end of September.

Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Kurt Tibbetts, thanked farmers, supermarkets and restaurants for their unified approach to promoting agriculture in the Cayman Islands. Mr. Tibbetts stated: “This is especially encouraging to farmers, and some are now branching out into areas like the production of herbs and spices, goat farming on Cayman Brac, and expanding their cattle farming efforts.”

Farmers and ranchers also continue to benefit from the ongoing boom in demand for fresh local produce by consumers, restaurants and supermarkets. “Quality is no longer an issue for supermarkets…I thank our farmers for doing what they love to do, and for allowing the Cayman Islands to be as self-sufficient as possible,” added Mr. Tibbetts.

The new distribution service will be the “Market at the Cricket Grounds”, which is set to open next month. This private-sector led initiative will allow the open-air sale of produce, healthy snacks, arts and crafts. The third such venue, it will complement is the popular “Market at the Grounds” in Savannah each Saturday, and each Wednesday’s “Market at Camana Bay”.

Minister Tibbetts encouraged more public-private partnerships, such as these, to advance local agriculture. He also stated that the local Food and Nutrition Security Policy should soon be drafted and tabled in the Legislative Assembly.

Premier Alden McLaughlin was represented by Councillor Roy McTaggart, who shared on his behalf: “There are many men and women in the agriculture sector who deserve recognition; our farms are today producing more than ever, which in turn contributes to healthier lifestyles.”

Also present were Ministry of Health and Culture’s Chief Officer Jennifer Ahearn and other officials.

To submit before the end of September the names of agriculture pioneers for National Heroes Day 2016 recognition, complete the forms may be obtained at: ministryofhealth.gov.ky

Praising Pioneers

The National Heroes Day Committee is seeking persons to be honoured at the awards ceremony, which will be held on 25 January 2016.

The five nomination categories for outstanding contributions to the development and/or delivery of agriculture in the Cayman Islands are:

Early Pioneer – Anyone who has made a significant contribution before 1960 (may be alive or deceased).

Pioneer – A person who has made a significant contribution between 1960 and 2005 (may be alive or deceased). A commemorative insignia and certificate will be awarded.

Emerging Pioneer – Persons who have made significant contributions from 2005 to present. These persons will receive certificates, but will not receive a commemorative insignia.

Memorial Scroll – Any deceased persons who were leaders or notable contributors to the development and/or delivery of agriculture in the Cayman Islands. These persons will be recognised with certificates, but will not receive commemorative insignias.

Long Service Award – Persons (living) who may not necessarily have been a leader, but who have contributed for ten years or more. (These people will be recognised with certificates, but will not receive commemorative insignias).

The selection of agriculture as this year’s theme is the culmination of a long-time focus on the local production of fruits, vegetables and animals, as well as the public’s increasing appreciation of organic produce. The Ministry for Agriculture has also taken a determined stance in support of the industry, and is presently preparing a National Food and Nutrition Security Policy and Strategy.

To promote farming and good animal husbandry local partnerships are also being forged with agricultural and veterinary organisations.

To submit before the end of September the names of agriculture pioneers for National Heroes Day 2016 recognition, complete the forms which are available at: ministryofhealth.gov.ky

Photo Credits: Lennon Christian / Government Information Services

Minister Kurt Tibbetts encourages support of farming.

For the official Cayman Islands Government web portal, www.gov.ky:

Web title: Farmers and Growers Invited

Web blurb: Names of agriculture leaders needed during September for Heroes Day awards.