The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Delegation in Antigua and Barbuda hosted its Accountability Seminar for the Year 2025 on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre. Held under the theme "Agriculture Today…… Food Sustainability Tomorrow," the event brought together key stakeholders to reflect on IICA's achievements over the past year and chart a course for the future of sustainable agriculture in the twin-island nation.
The seminar served as a platform to examine transparency and accountability in IICA's technical cooperation programmes, while strengthening dialogue on food security, climate resilience, and rural development. Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, agricultural stakeholders, farmers, youth representatives, development agencies, non-governmental organisations, and regional and international partners.
The programme opened with a prayer by Ms. Diahann Gomes, Livestock Officer within the Ministry of Agriculture, followed by welcome remarks from Mr. Gregory Bailey, Director of Agriculture and Session Chairperson. Testimonials were then delivered by Mrs. Sherrie-Ann Brazier, CEO and Owner of SHAADEHydroponics, and Mr. Michael Joseph, President of the Antigua and Barbuda Agriculture Forum for Youth (ABAFY), both of whom spoke to the tangible impact of IICA-supported initiatives within the sector.
Mr. Gregg Rawlins, Representative for IICA Eastern Caribbean States, addressed the seminar and underscored the critical role of collaborative partnerships in building agricultural resilience. He noted that strategic cooperation and innovation are essential in developing sustainable food systems capable of withstanding global challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, rising import costs, and external economic pressures.
A centrepiece of the seminar was the presentation of the IICA Annual Report for 2025 and Workplan for 2026, delivered by Mr. Craig Thomas, National Specialist for the IICA Delegation in Antigua and Barbuda. The report outlined key achievements and partnerships from the past year, with significant focus on 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 aimed at strengthening food systems and agricultural resilience.
Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, commended IICA and its partners for their contributions to agricultural growth and sustainability in Antigua and Barbuda. The Minister stressed the importance of investing in agriculture today to secure food sustainability for present and future generations, and called for stronger partnerships to bolster local food production and resilience.
Following the formal presentations, participants engaged in an open discussion on the 2025 Annual Report and the Workplan for 2026, offering recommendations, feedback, and ideas to strengthen future programming and agricultural development across the country.
The seminar also highlighted IICA's ongoing commitment to supporting women, youth, and farmers through innovation, training, entrepreneurship, and technical cooperation. Representatives from agricultural organisations and rural networks participated in dialogue aimed at deepening collaboration and creating new opportunities for sustainable development.
As part of the event, IICA distributed copies of its reports to valued partners and stakeholders. Recipients included Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., Mrs. Natalia Lawrence from the GEF UNDP Small Grants Programme, Mr. Walter Chrostopher, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Bachelor of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), and Mr. Ika Fergus of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The distribution reflected the broad network of partnerships underpinning agricultural advancement and food sustainability efforts in Antigua and Barbuda.
The seminar closed with remarks and a vote of thanks from Mrs. Tamisha Edgecombe-Doram, Assistant Executive Secretary of IICA Antigua and Barbuda, who reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration, accountability, and innovation in advancing agriculture and securing food sustainability for generations to come.
