Press Release: Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Blue and Green Economy Host Annual Farmer and Fisherfolk Awards Ceremony
ROSEAU DOMINICA, 20, DEC 2024-The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Blue and Green Economy and other stakeholders to host the Annual Farmer and Fisherfolk Awards Ceremony, recognizing 24 outstanding farmers and 5 agri-stakeholders for their exceptional contributions to the sector.
The event, held to raise awareness and educate the public on the importance of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), Sustainable Land Management (SLM), and Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices, celebrated who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to these practices. Minister Roland Royer, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Blue and Green Economy, delivering remarks during the award ceremony emphasized the significance of these efforts.
“This event is a testament to our appreciation of our farmers and agro processors, highlighting their role in contributing to food and nutrition security, as well as the economic development of our nation, which is paramount,” said Minister Royer.
Ms.Lakeyia Joseph – the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, expressed that the awardees are representatives of, “Passion and dedication, which inspires all; representing the best of what is possible- when hard work meets innovation.”
Agriculture and fisheries remain integral to the country’s economy and cultural heritage, and the ceremony recognized the hard work and perseverance of individuals shaping the future of these sectors.
Featured Speaker Dr. Irvin Mc Intyre- in commending the work of the award recipients, said the event serves as a reminder of their hard work to provide for our people.
“Their success is Dominica’s success as we know the challenges they face including climate change, which poses a threat to their livelihoods.”
Farmers Awarded:
- Nathaniel Lovell- Apiarist of the year.
- Singoalla Blomquist-Williams-Livestock Farmer of the year.
- Desmond Augustine- Horticulture Farmer of the year.
- Shawn Martin-Agriculture Farmer of the year.
- Felix Constance- Mariculture Farmer of the year.
- Kennedy Alexander-Outstanding Climate Resilient Farmer.
- Thomas Ettiene-Most Innovative Technology Driven Farmer.
- Eural Scotland-Longstanding Commercial Fisher of the year.
- Felix Christmas- Longstanding Commercial Fisher of the year.
- Joachim and Philomen Pacquette and Family-Outstanding Family Farm of the year.
- Helena Letang-Williams-Woman in Sustainable Farming of the year.
- Syan Alexander-Youth in Sustainable Agriculture of the year.
- Akim Alexander- Young Fisherfolk of the year.
- Dorian Sanford-Outstanding Fisheries Liaison Officer of the year.
- Elton Daniel-Outstanding Extension Officer of the year.
- Clinton LeBlanc-Fisherfolk of the year.
- Culmore Shillingford-Farmer of the year.
Other Stakeholders Awarded:
- Luke’s Primary School-Outstanding Primary School of Agriculture for the year.
- Northeast Comprehensive school-Outstanding Secondary School in Agriculture for the year.
- Clarone Joseph- Outstanding Backyard Gardener for the year.
- Agri Sales and Services co Limited-Agricultural Service Provider for the year.
- Salisbury Women’s Farmers Group-Outstanding Producer Organisation for the year.
- Ezee Side Bakery-Outstanding Traditional Crop Enterprise of the year.
- Big G’s Pepper Sauce- Agro Processor of the year.
Special awards by PISLM for “Excellence in SLM on farms.”
- Ruth Prevost – an indigenous woman from the Kalinago territory.
- Cullmore Shillingford – who also won farmer of the year.
This year’s awards ceremony served not only as a celebration but also as a call to action for all involved in farming and land management. It highlighted the collective responsibility in safeguarding our land and environment for future generations.
The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management remains committed to amplifying the importance of LDN and SLM practices, driving a unified effort toward creating a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.
The PISLM is currently Executing two GEF funded projects in Dominica with technical oversight being provided by UNEP. The ‘Sustainable Land Management in Dominica project’ and the ‘Post Hurricane Maria resilience project’ are aimed at strengthening the country’s implementation of policies and actions in the areas of sustainable land and soil management in agriculture and forestry while promoting a more policy-driven approach to tackling the Land degradation Neutrality (LDN) methodology, to which the country is committed to achieving as part of its national goal of being climate resilient by 2030.
