Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, 3 October 2025 (IICA). As part of the initiative of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) designed to recognize the Leaders of Rurality of the Americas, Director General Manuel Otero presented awards to two young entrepreneurs from Saint Kitts and Nevis during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA).
The individuals honored are Akiesha Fergus and Ryan Khadou, two passionate farmers who have demonstrated by their example that agricultural production can be a great way of life for the new generations. Akiesha owns a smoothie shop in a rural area of the Caribbean island of Nevis and took part in the “All About Farming” programs in Nevis in 2022.
Ryan Khadou, whohas a degree in urban and regional planning, is committed to increasing agricultural productivity and is passionate about the design of innovations and green technologies for businesses and rural areas.
The CWA is an annual event whose purpose is to strengthenthe Caribbean’s agriculture sector, which is vital if the region’s dependence on food imports is to be reduced. It brings together officials, farmers, and members of organizations, and aims to attract transformative and sustainable investments in agriculture and food production across the region.
During the awards ceremony, Otero explained that IICA is not only strongly committed to supporting the ministries of agriculture of the Caribbean countries, but also believes it is vital to recognize the contribution made by farmers and other rural actors, their leadership in agricultural and rural development, as well as their role in preserving biodiversity and strengthening rural communities.
Otero underlined the importance of people who decide to remain in rural areas and produce food for everyone, and reiterated IICA’s commitment to supporting them.
The leaders selected are honored with the “Soul of Rurality” award, designed to showcase the efforts of men and women who make a difference and leave their mark on the countryside across the continent, key figures for the sustainability of the region and the planet, and for food and nutrition security.
Under this program, some 80 rural leaders in the hemisphere, including 15 from the Caribbean region, have been recognized for their individual contributions to the development of networks, access to technologies, and markets.
Durin the Caribbean Week of Agriculture, Otero also took part, along with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Samal Duggins,in a ceremony held to present the Caribbean Community’s Young Farmer of the Year award for 2025 to Michael Joseph, a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda. Jamaican company Best Dressed Chicken was also honored.
More information:
Institutional Communication Division.
comunicacion.institucional@iica.int
