The views expressed herein are solely those of the writer.
By Gordon Weekes.
The way in which we think about eating must be looked into. It seems that we are leaning away from our roots and taking on the false ideologies of those who wish to be where we are. We have become consumed in their way of life that we are forgetting what would have sustained us centuries before our existence. What our foreparents would have learned is being replaced with quick TikTok videos, many of which are made by people with no idea about the topic they discuss.
In the current state of the country, not enough emphasis is placed on agriculture. We do not need the State to tell us that we must grow what we eat to ensure food security; this should come instinctively. I, too, am guilty of this and also guilty of not growing all that I eat. We always push newer initiatives in the classroom, but I think more emphasis has to be placed on the workplace, specifically for those who do not have a lot of space to grow their own food and are financially disadvantaged. Maybe initiatives such as free gardening pots, free organic soil, and seeds would be a great way for a person to get into agriculture.
Rather than make a mockery of ourselves on the radio, we can use the platform to educate the masses on how to get started; we all know that is the hardest part.
The issue then arises: how can those who wish to profit from agriculture do so not just to make a large amount of money, but to do so ethically? Too often, we hear farmers complain that they are not being paid what they think is their fair share for the labour they endured to bring forth produce. At the same time, many would argue that because we have such fertile land, it may not be so hard, or that because the cost of farm labour is cheap, they should not pay what is being asked. There will forever be a disconnect; however, we must look at ways we can bridge the gap. Businesses should be held more accountable for the prices they both buy and sell for. How can we support local when supermarkets are charging a premium just because it is local? Or even worse, inflating their profit margins to the point that both imported and local produce are the same price? This is a great sin.
At the same time, the Government should start to implement programmes in which it can offer assistance to farmers to help meet the demand. We must look into what crops we import that we can grow ourselves. This is much needed, especially in these times of uncertainty and impending doom. Our farmers must become more innovative and be given more structure so that they can establish more robust businesses and execute their plans more effectively.
High taxes should be paid by those who do not farm on agricultural land that they own. Special programmes should be assigned to farmers, specific crops, to ensure supply and demand are within a close ratio.
We can use these industries with packaging centres which employ specialised workers to help combat the brain drain our country is facing. These ideas generate both income and improve the lives of citizens. If we must copy homework, let us see who in our class did it the best (Guyana) and use them as both motivation, but also gain insight into how they achieved the goal.
We, the people, must take a stand before it is too late.
Let us start with community gardens, backyard gardening, and holding our neighbours accountable to ensure the longevity of these initiatives. Special consideration must be given not just to large-scale agricultural equipment but also to the small things. I do not believe that we cannot make our own flower pots right here. We have clay and many youths who can benefit not just from job creation, but also from a positive outlet. Or that we cannot compose and package our own soil and kick rocks with imported soil. I am sure we can more than start to sell our own seeds, seeds that survived our conditions, so we stand a better chance later. Again, all the people need are structures in place and a fair opportunity to make an honest dollar.
Our way of thinking must change. We cannot look down on farmers, as they are the backbone of society, and without them, we cannot live as healthily as we do. Youths must see the upsides of farming. We need to hear more from them, the challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. They (the farmers) must be treated the same way we treat government ministers.
Ultimately, in the state we are in, everyone needs as much help as they can get. We all pay taxes in some form or another and deserve a little more. Not a little more promises, not a little more gimmicks, but more respect, honesty, accountability, and most of all, more opportunities.
Let us come together and work towards a better future. Let us sit and discuss how we, the people, can plant trees so our future generations can have shade. A call to end our divisions and to work together for the existence of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
END
Opinion pieces can be sent to us at onenewsstvincent@gmail.com.
The editor recommends a maximum of 600-800 words per article.
One News SVG 