A noticeable increase in seismic activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano resulted in a closure of Zone C, which had been reopened for daytime entry in December 2011.

Director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) Dr. Paul Cole said on ZJB Radio Montserrat on Friday morning that it was a precautionary measure as they continued to monitor the volcano, which has been relatively quiet since early 2010.

By early afternoon the MVO released a statement noting that mild ash venting had begun and was emanating from the 11 February 2010 collapse scar.

Barbados is known to be covered with sugar cane. But when left unattended cane fields can slowly become covered with bush - River Tamarind, Trumpet Tree and Chak Chak – and evolve into secondary forests. Most of these tree species have light seeds dispersed by wind or birds and can quickly conquer abandoned agricultural land. But is this forest worth anything?

February 2012, Bridgetown. Globally and regionally there is increasing support and investment in youth programmes, support to expand the inclusion of the voices of youth in policy and decision-making processes. Investing time, efforts and resources in Caribbean youth creates new opportunities, choices and helps build the human capital and human development needed to support Caribbean development goals.

Washington, February 23, 2012 (IICA). “The environment and better public policies for agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean have provided renewed hope, since they are driving agricultural activities based on the availability of water and soil for cultivation, as well as on greater access to biodiversity and genetic resources”.

St. John’s- Antigua February 23, 2012: Effective February 27, 2012 the Plant Protection Unit as part of its eradication programme for the Giant African Snail, will be carrying out a 3-4 week baiting exercise.

Owners of livestock within the controlled areas are therefore advised of the pending application of the snail baits and are urged to take the necessary steps in the exclusion of their animals from the treated areas.

wo representatives from the Inter –American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) are on island, conducting an assessment as part of a previous agreement to assist the ministry of Agriculture improve the genetics of small ruminants.

Dr. Manuel David Sanchez Hermosillo, Representative for Dominican Republic and Ms. Una May Gordon Representative for Eastern Caribbean are currently conducting an assessment to derive ways in which Antigua & Barbuda could develop specific proposals to increase the production of sheep and goats.