Mr. Speaker I thank you for opportunity to address the people of the Virgin Islands.  Allow me to update the public on the state of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Mr. Theodore E. James has been appointed to act as Director in the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries effective July 2.

Charter Boat Captains and their guests are advised to cease and desist with immediate effect, from the harvesting of spiny lobsters from the seabed, especially in the area of Anegada.

Farmers and fishermen are invited to a meeting to discuss Climate Risk Adaptation and Insurance in the Caribbean on Thursday, October 25.

The public is invited to a Cultural Food Fair on October 19 in observance of World Food Day.

World Food Day will be observed in the Virgin Islands with a Cultural Food Fair hosted by the Department of Agriculture.

Madame Speaker, I rise to provide an update on the state of the combined fishing and farming industry. Following a series of public consultations that the Premier and his team conducted after the hurricanes, a number of issues were identified in the fishing and farming communities.

Owners of boats, trailers vehicles and other equipment at the Fisherman’s wharf and on the strip of land next to the wharf at Baughers Bay......

Acting Deputy Chief Conservation and Fisheries officer Mr. Mervin Hastings is urging residents to utilise the Sargassum seaweed that is being washed up along the Territory’s shorelines.

The cultural and economical impact of fishing to the Virgin Islands will be celebrated on Fisherman’s Day rescheduled for Sunday, July 16.