The following message from the Future Trust is being disseminated by BU because there is undoubtedly a big case of relevance. Minister David Estwick has been making a lot of noise recently to gain attention for his ministry. It appears he has been successful in the endeavour.

National Meeting on Agriculture
Date: Sunday June 24
Time: 4pm
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Boarded Hall

Speakers: Dr Francis Chandler, Dr Chelston Brathwaite, Keith Laurie, Mia Mottley

Catalyst: Large area of VERY arable land earmarked at Lower Greys east of the Shop on the right hand side to be put into housing. Land was in food production up to two years ago. Is this the best we can do with our arable land when so much rab land is around?

A few will make lots a money and many will own a home but maybe unable to buy the imported food due to high inflation. We are saying the most arable fertile lands in the St George Valley and St Thomas must be protected from development. When will this encroachment stop? With the Urban Sprawl well entrenched all lands in this 166sq mile dot is marginal.

A country that uses all of its arable land under the pretext its marginal and is located near sites and services is courting starvation and impoverishment.

Thus our meeting is about sharing practical ideas on the way forward for agriculture and to reinforce the need for agriculture to be given more respect if we are to have food security as well as discuss  our land use policy.

We are not saying don`t develop, but develop in a sensible and sustainable way while seeking more effective ways of practising agriculture. A new reconstituted Future Centre Trust intends to be more vocal on environmental issues without partisan favour as our legacy is to future generations.

Kammie Holder
Future Centre Trust