By Tyreke Gerald Thomas-Horsford
The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Delegation in Antigua and Barbuda successfully hosted its Accountability Seminar for the Year 2025 today, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre under the inspiring theme: **“Agriculture Today…… Food Sustainability Tomorrow.”**
The seminar served as an important platform to reflect on the accomplishments, partnerships, and impact of IICA’s work in Antigua and Barbuda throughout 2025, while also strengthening dialogue on the future of sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural development for present and future generations. The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, agricultural stakeholders, farmers, youth representatives, development agencies, non-governmental organizations, and regional and international partners.
The Accountability Seminar focused on transparency, accountability, and reporting on the progress made through IICA’s technical cooperation programmes and initiatives over the past year. Throughout the morning, attendees engaged in discussions and presentations that highlighted IICA’s contributions toward climate resilience, agricultural innovation, food security, youth engagement, digital agriculture, and strengthening rural livelihoods in Antigua and Barbuda.
The programme commenced with prayer by Ms. Diahann Gomes, Livestock Officer within the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, followed by welcome and contextual remarks on the Accountability Seminar delivered by Mr. Gregory Bailey, Director of Agriculture and Session Chairperson. Guests were officially introduced before participants heard impactful testimonials from Mrs. Sherrie-Ann Brazier, CEO and Owner of SHAADE Hydroponics , and Mr. Michael Joseph, President of the Antigua and Barbuda Agriculture Forum for Youth (ABAFY), who shared their experiences and highlighted the positive impact of IICA-supported initiatives within the agricultural sector.
Delivering remarks during the seminar, Mr. Gregg Rawlins, Representative for IICA Eastern Caribbean States, underscored the importance of collaborative partnerships in advancing agriculture and ensuring that the nation remains resilient in the face of global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, rising food import costs, and external economic pressures. He emphasized that strategic cooperation and innovation remain critical in creating sustainable food systems that can benefit current and future generations.
One of the major highlights of the seminar was the presentation of the IICA Annual Report for 2025 and Workplan for 2026 by Mr. Craig Thomas, National Specialist for the IICA Delegation in Antigua and Barbuda. The presentation outlined the institute’s key achievements, programmes, and partnerships implemented throughout the year. Significant attention was placed on major initiatives, including the Next Generation Sweet Potato Production in the Caribbean Project, the rehabilitation of the Antigua Black Pineapple, climate-smart agricultural interventions through the Caribbean Climate Responsive Agriculture Forum (CCRAF), digital agriculture initiatives, and disaster preparedness programmes designed to strengthen food systems and agricultural resilience.
Further remarks were delivered by Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, who commended the continued work of IICA and its stakeholders in supporting agricultural growth and sustainability in Antigua and Barbuda. The Minister highlighted the importance of investing in agriculture today to secure food sustainability for today, tomorrow, and future generations, while encouraging stronger partnerships to improve local food production and resilience.
Participants then engaged in an open discussion on the 2025 Annual Report and Workplan for 2026, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to share recommendations, feedback, and ideas aimed at strengthening future programming and agricultural development in Antigua and Barbuda.
The seminar also showcased IICA’s ongoing commitment to supporting women, youth, and farmers through innovation, training, entrepreneurship, and technical cooperation. Representatives from agricultural organizations and rural networks participated in meaningful dialogue aimed at improving collaboration and creating new opportunities for sustainable agricultural development.
Participants praised the seminar as a timely and meaningful opportunity to evaluate progress, celebrate achievements, and identify pathways for future action. Stakeholders agreed that accountability, innovation, and partnership remain essential pillars in building a resilient agricultural sector that can support national food security, economic growth, and sustainable livelihoods.
As part of the seminar, IICA also distributed copies of their reports to its valued partners and stakeholders as a symbol of appreciation and continued collaboration. Among the recipients were Honourable Anthony Smith Jr./Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Mrs. Natalia Lawrence from the GEF UNDP Small Grants Programme, Mr. Walter Chrostopher/Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Mr. Bachelor of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), and Mr. Ika Fergus for Food and Agriculture (FAO). The distribution highlighted the strong partnerships that continue to support agricultural advancement and food sustainability efforts in Antigua and Barbuda.
The event concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Tamisha Edgecombe-Doram, Assistant Executive Secretary of IICA Antigua and Barbuda, reaffirming the importance of continued collaboration, accountability, and innovation in advancing agriculture and securing food sustainability for present and future generations.
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