Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew and Minister of Agriculture, Samal Duggins led a guided tour on July 16, at Bayford’s Farm, St Peter’s, for a delegation of Southern University (SU) along with members of the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
This is an important visit regarding the partnership between Southern University and St. Kitts and Nevis, first formalized in December 2023 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Agriculture.
The meeting was attended by Hadiya Claxton, Special Envoy for Investment, Development, and International Business relations; Miguel Flemming, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture; and Dr Ashton Stanley, special advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Their presence underlined the importance that this partnership represents and the commitment of the government to move agriculture forward.
The tour really acquainted the delegation with the local agricultural practices and was an important opportunity in fostering collaboration on how to increase the skills of the Agricultural workforce of St. Kitts and Nevis. The team had a view of several farming techniques and innovations, all aimed at upscaling the level of productivity and sustainability in the sector.
Prime Minister Drew added, “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to a better agricultural sector through education, innovation and sustainable practices. He explained, “We look forward to the opportunities this partnership will bring to our farmers and the broader community.”
PM Drew even stated about the joyous period of his childhood that he spent at the Bayford’s farm and was glad to stand by his commitment to revive the place.
Samal Duggins added that he expects the initiative to expand knowledge and build capacity: “Through close collaboration with Southern University, we can really tap into their expertise in developing our agricultural workforce and be in a position to implement best practices so as to benefit our local farmers.”
A major highlight for the delegation was the visit to the Poultry Hatchery facility, being constructed under the St. Kitts and Nevis Layer Chicken Industry Sustainable Development Project. This project is expected to enhance local poultry production while reducing importation, ultimately improving food security and creating opportunities of economic empowerment for the local farmers.
 along with members of the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Embassy of the Republic of China.){kind=link}