Dr. Patricia Bartlette Expresses Disappointment with State of Agriculture on Nevis

Introduction

By Rick Amburgey, Writer

Dr. Patricia Bartlette, Deputy Leader of the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP) and caretaker for Nevis 2 (St John’s Parish), has expressed disappointment with the state of agriculture on the island, criticizing the sector’s poor productivity and lack of meaningful output reaching the local market.

Criticisms of the Nevis Island Administration

A long-time advocate for sustainable agriculture and increased food security, Dr. Bartlette blamed the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) for what she described as the island’s stagnation in agricultural development.

Speaking on the NRP’s radio programme Your Side With The NRP on 14 April, Dr. Bartlette said: “Our government is just paying lip service. We have not served our people well at the Ministry of Agriculture, and I don’t think we have fulfilled our mandate—and it is time for change.”

Decline in Agricultural Funding

She continued: “Before the Brantley-led CCM, Mr [Vance] Amory was doing a little thing, and when he left, we were up to 2% in terms of the portion of the budget dedicated to agricultural development. After that, we saw a precipitous drop-off of 50% by the time Brantley came in. So, it showed you where this group that came in had no regard for agriculture.”

Dr. Bartlette also voiced concerns about the declining financial support for the sector under the current administration. She pointed out that agriculture once received 1.4 percent of the national budget, but funding fell to 0.7 percent in 2018 and further to 0.5 percent in 2019.

Impact of COVID-19 on Agricultural Funding

She acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic prompted an increase, with agriculture funding rising to 1.4 percent, and then to two percent in 2021. However, she noted that the support was short-lived.

“As COVID started to ease, in 2022 it dropped again to 1.5 percent and then to 1 percent in 2023. You can see where this government is going. They are not taking food security seriously,” Dr. Bartlette said.

Conclusion

Dr. Bartlette’s comments highlight the need for a renewed focus on sustainable agriculture and food security on Nevis. The decline in agricultural funding and productivity is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention from the Nevis Island Administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Dr. Bartlette’s position on the Nevis Reformation Party?

A: Dr. Bartlette is the Deputy Leader of the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP) and caretaker for Nevis 2 (St John’s Parish).
Q: What is the current state of agriculture on Nevis?

A: The agricultural sector on Nevis is experiencing poor productivity and a lack of meaningful output reaching the local market.
Q: What is the Nevis Island Administration’s stance on agricultural development?

A: According to Dr. Bartlette, the Nevis Island Administration is not taking food security seriously and has shown a decline in funding for agricultural development.