Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister praises work of IICA in the Caribbean

St. John’s, Antigua, October 19, 2012 (IICA). Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer Friday showered praise on the work the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) which is this year celebrating 70 years of existence.

Spencer, who met with IICA’s Director General Victor Villalobos at this his Office, said the Costa Rica-based hemispheric body has been playing and will continue to play a pivotal role in the development, expansion and modernization of the agriculture sector.

“The work of IICA in the region is exemplary,” he said after convening a meeting with Villalobos in which they discussed wide-ranging matters.

Spencer said he expressed his government’s and the region’s appreciation of IICA’s contribution to enhancing agriculture during the talks.

“The whole issue of food security is critical to us. As small developing states in the Caribbean and looking at matters worldwide…the whole question of hunger and poverty…these are the issues. Agriculture plays a pivotal and vital part of addressing hunger and poverty in the world,” the Antiguan leader said.

“And so to that extent,” he added, “we can understand and appreciate the work of IICA and other (international and regional) agencies in their delivering, not only in terms of assisting with human resource development, but practical ways of improving agriculture in the region. They (IICA) have done a lot of work and we do appreciate that.”

IICA will assist Antigua and Barbuda in improving communication among farmers and the government.

“As you may be aware they are now working with Antigua & Barbuda to develop an information system which is critical for us going forward. Without that, as I was explaining, some of the challenges we have even among our farmers to let them understand and appreciate certain things that have to be done in this modern day and age if we are going to maximize the benefits that can be derived from that sector,” Spencer said.

“And they (IICA) are fully aware of that and that’s why they are developing these kinds of systems in helping us to overcome these challenges.”

The Prime Minister also expressed his government’s pleasure in host the Caribbean Week of Agriculture which brought together regional ministers responsible for the sector and well international and regional agencies.

“Overall I’m very pleased that Antigua & Barbuda has been able to host Caribbean Week of Agriculture to allow for a situation where these kinds of agencies and bodies can review what have been going on in the agricultural sector and to use an opportunity like this to brainstorm and bring everybody looking and reviewing and planning for the future.

“So all in all from where I sit…I can feel the appreciation of what IICA and others are doing for this very important sector,” Spencer said.

He also recognized IICA’s 70th anniversary.

“That has been quite a good run but you still have a long way to go and let me…it has been 70 years of real dedication, hard work and commitment and we have been able to benefit from that work. So I wish you another 70 years into the future,” Prime Minister said.

Villalobos presented Spencer with a 70th anniversary tie.

For more information, contact:
victor.delangel@iica.int