A major step towards strengthening agricultural education and building a more resilient farming sector has been taken, as the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Security and the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) formalized a stronger partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement, signed during a ceremony at the SALCC farm, brings the two institutions closer together in their shared commitment to advancing sustainable and resilient agriculture in Saint Lucia.
The MOU establishes a stronger framework for cooperation, communication and collaboration between the Ministry and SALCC, while strengthening the link between agricultural education and the practical needs of the sector.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Sustainable Development, Hon. Lisa Jawahir, emphasized the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding in investing in people through capacity building, skills development, knowledge enhancement, and fostering a business-minded approach to support the growth and advancement of Saint Lucia’s agricultural sector.
“ This MOU transforms years of goodwill and collaboration into a structured partnership, not one that will sit on our desk from henceforth. At the centre of this partnership is perhaps our most important agricultural resource, of course, our people. We can construct greenhouses, we can purchase machinery, yes, we can introduce hydroponics, digital technologies and modern irrigation systems.
But none of these investments will transform agriculture unless we simultaneously invest in people with the knowledge, skills, confidence and entrepreneurial mindset to use them effectively. And that is why this MOU matters. It provides for joint training and workshops, technical exchanges, mentorship, professional development within our ministry and internships, of course, at the college. For our students, this means connecting what is taught in the classroom with what is happening on farms, at agricultural stations, in labs, in fisheries, through extension services and, of course, agribusiness, which is the next big thing for our sector. ”
Through the partnership, greater emphasis will be placed on knowledge sharing, practical training and initiatives aimed at equipping the next generation with the skills and experience needed to contribute meaningfully to Saint Lucia’s agricultural development.
Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, Cletus Springer, highlighted the commitment established through the agreement to transform farms into successful and sustainable businesses, while empowering farmers to become successful agricultural entrepreneurs.
“ This agreement, the Ministry of Agriculture and the college commit to drive and develop a sustainable and resilient agriculture institution. The board of the college sees no other way of accomplishing this.
It’s through the transformation of our farms into successful businesses and our farmers and farmers into successful businessmen and businesswomen. In this regard, we see the mandate of the college as developing the skills of our farmers and farm-hers in entrepreneurship, marketing, production, leadership and decision-making. “
Following the signing, Minister Jawahir and ministry officials toured the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College farm, where college officials showcased ongoing agricultural activities and the practical learning opportunities available to students.
The agreement represents more than a formal partnership between two institutions. It signals a shared commitment to developing agricultural knowledge and skills, empowering the next generation of agricultural professionals, and supporting a more productive, sustainable and resilient agricultural sector in Saint Lucia.