A delegation from the European Union (EU) to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) paid a courtesy call on Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation, Hon. Israel Bruce, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
The delegation, led by Her Excellency Fiona Ramsey, met briefly with Minister Bruce at the VIP Lounge of the Argyle International Airport to discuss the current state of the agricultural sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and challenges affecting local farmers.
Among the key issues discussed were market access, praedial larceny, and the condition of farm access roads. Minister Bruce noted that the meeting generated significant interest in improving agricultural access roads and presented an opportunity to explore additional funding support.
The Minister indicated that he intends to pursue funding similar to that provided through the Caribbean Development Bank’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) programme to rehabilitate the road network from Bottom Village in Greiggs to Teburu and into Pavement.
According to Minister Bruce, the proposed project would support two important pillars of economic development—agriculture and tourism—by improving access for farmers and enhancing connectivity within the area.
While the meeting was brief due to time constraints, Minister Bruce said discussions would continue at a follow-up meeting scheduled to take place in Barbados in the near future.
