As the Senator for Agriculture and Fisheries, I extend my prayers for the protection and safekeeping of the entire population of St Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly those directly affected by the La Soufriere volcano.
St Vincent is a land with significant agro-production and fisherfolks, and I express my support for the Vincentian farmers and people especially those in the immediately affected area. I am familiar with some areas in the affected zone and I feel a sense of personal concern, having friends, family, farmers, fishers and acquaintances who are being touched by this development.
With God’s grace, this situation will subside quickly and without too much loss.
It is time for us to give back, to support our Vincentian farmers who came to Grenada’s aid after hurricane Ivan. At this time, I urge our Grenadian farmers and fisherfolk to rise to the occasion to fill that food deficit ahead; for domestic consumption and to be able to support evacuated Vincentians who may have to be accommodated here.
The role of the Marketing and National Importing Board (MNIB) as a strategic institution for food and nutrition security, surfaces at this time. MNIB supports the work of the Grenada National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) during natural disasters by ensuring food security for the nation. In this context, it is expected that MNIB stands ready to support our friends by working with our local farmers and fishers to assist their food security at this stressful time.
I am monitoring the La Soufriere situation closely, and extend prayers to the Vincentian people both in their homeland and abroad. Stand strong! I know that God is always good.
Senator Roderick St Clair
