Regional stakeholders in the agriculture policy process meet in Trinidad to develop a medium term strategy for the Caribbean Agricultural Regional Policy Network (CaRAPN) which seeks to support the agriculture policy process in the Caribbean.

July 28, 2010, Port Of Spain, Trinidad …The meeting to develop a Medium Term Strategy for the Caribbean Regional Agricultural Policy Network (CaRAPN) began in Trinidad with a call for an integrated and harmonized regional policy framework towards the reduction of food importation into CARICOM countries.

St John's 28th July : In February of this year the A.H.T.A. and the A.B.W.U. introduced a retirement fund for all the hotel employees covered the the AHTA Collective agreement. Realizing the importance of providing for the financial well being of hotel workers a thrift fund was set up with the ABI Bank to provide a financial cushion after retirement. Since February workers in the member hotels have been contributing 2.5% of their base salaries which has been matched by their employers.

St John’s, Antigua (6th July 2010) – An open door climate change summit is in the works for the residents of Antigua and Barbuda as the 49th Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show committee continues to build momentum towards its highly anticipate production on Friday 30th July 2010 at the Antigua Recreation Grounds starting at 8:00pm.

Jolly Beach, Antigua, June 18… Ministers of Agriculture voiced their satisfaction at the outcome of the regional Symposium on Agricultural Insurance – DRM held at Jolly Beach, Antigua, stressing the importance of a coordinated effort in the way forward.

Hon. Matthew Walter, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Dominica advised that he is fully committed to working hand in hand with Minister Baptiste and the other colleagues to ensure the goals are achieved.

The European Commission has approved a grant of 10 million Euros (approx. EC$30 million) for Antigua and Barbuda. This is a one-time grant and will be funded shortly. Finance Minister Harold Lovell has said the development is, “Yet another indication that our Fiscal Consolidation Programme is the correct way to put us on a path of sustainable development.”

Public relations Committee of the Christian Valley mango Festival is seeking your participation in our upcoming Pineapple awareness day programme to be held on 20th May. This activity is part of an ongoing promotion in tandem with the Mangofest 2010 main event scheduled for August 14th and 15th.