Newly appointed Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Climate Change, Lisa Jawahir, has swiftly transitioned into her role, setting a dynamic precedent for her tenure. In her inaugural days, Minister Jawahir has outlined an ambitious agenda focused on fortifying food security and fostering innovation within the agricultural sector. Her immediate engagement with senior officials of the Ministry of Agriculture underscores a hands-on approach to leadership, signaling a proactive stance in addressing critical issues.
Minister Jawahir described her initial interactions with the ministry as insightful, highlighting her rapid acclimation to the diverse responsibilities of her new position. “It has been enlightening to orient myself within the ministry, understand various departments, and identify areas where I can streamline operations and tackle challenges,” she remarked. This proactive stance sets the stage for her overarching goal: to enhance national food security through innovative agricultural practices. “I am determined to share the government’s vision for bolstering our food security systems and integrating innovative techniques into agriculture. Technology has become integral to agriculture in recent years, and I intend to take this commitment even further,” she declared.
The minister expressed confidence in the foundational work already undertaken by the ministry, stating, “A strong foundation has been established, and now it’s time to elevate our efforts to the next level.” Her approach aligns seamlessly with the Prime Minister’s broader vision for the sector, as she affirmed, “We understand the rationale behind the Prime Minister’s choice to appoint me to this ministry. My methods resonate with his mandate and the results he seeks.”
Looking ahead, Minister Jawahir has outlined an ambitious agenda for stakeholder engagement, beginning in January. This initiative reflects her commitment to inclusive decision-making and direct interaction with the sector’s key players. “We will be actively engaging with stakeholders at all levels beginning in January. I will meet farmers, fishers, and various groups to foster a direct connection with them as their new minister,” she stated. These consultations will prioritize both listening and leading, as she emphasized, “It’s essential for me to understand their challenges and intentions for supporting the sector.”
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Bradley St. Ange, welcomed Minister Jawahir and expressed strong confidence in her leadership. “The Ministry of Agriculture will accelerate its food security initiatives and modernize the agricultural sector. We are optimistic that Minister Jawahir will excel in her role and play a crucial part in achieving our mandate,” St. Ange affirmed.
With a clear focus on food security, innovation, and stakeholder engagement, Minister Jawahir’s decisive actions signal a vigorous start to what promises to be a transformative period for agriculture, fisheries, and climate resilience in Saint Lucia. Her proactive approach and alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision set a promising tone for the future of the sector, ensuring that the nation’s agricultural and fisheries industries are poised for sustainable growth and resilience.