Prime Minister Mia Mottley has identified agriculture and health care as areas in which she would like Barbados to “do some serious work” with New Zealand.
Prime Minister Mottley expressed this desire on Thursday when High Commissioner of New Zealand, Jan Henderson, paid her a farewell visit, at Government Headquarters.
The Prime Minister said New Zealand had distinguished itself as being able to attract some of its best and brightest students in agriculture.
Underscoring the importance of the sector, she insisted that it became even more critical when a country was impacted by a hurricane or was cut off from the rest of the world. She said a country must be able to feed itself in case of a national crisis.
She pointed out that international trade was extremely important to Barbados as it significantly impacted the design of domestic trade policy; and disclosed that a session would be held shortly with Cabinet to examine that area. She stated that those products indigenous to Barbados, including the black belly sheep, had great potential, and proffered the view that a credible manufacturing sector must be developed from them.
During the wide-ranging discussions, Mottley said a lot of Barbados’ coral reefs had died and as the country focused on rebuilding these diverse underwater ecosystems, it wanted to take a leadership role as it worked with other countries facing similar challenges.
The Prime Minister said Barbados’ relationship with New Zealand meant a lot to her and that she looked forward to further strengthening it.
In the area of agriculture, Henderson promised that New Zealand would assist Barbados wherever it could, and noted that some years ago, there was a fundamental rethink of agriculture in her country.
The Prime Minister and the High Commissioner also discussed the importance of the maritime sector and training opportunities in that area, with Henderson saying that she recently had extensive discussions with Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy, Kirk Humphrey.
Those attending the meeting included acting Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Terry Bascombe, and Second Secretary in the New Zealand High Commission’s office in Bridgetown, Ruth Delany.
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Barbadian farmers should acquire plantings and the know how to grow and farm commercially kiwi fruit. Very healthy fruit with that can be grown and sold internationally as well as catering to the needs of the local market. Plant your own food and promote healthy eating.
What about that sargassum..can we make some money off NZ?
STEVE ROCK, i am in total agreement with you( May GOD ALMIGHTY) give her all the help she needs.1she is really trying on Barbados behalf.
When one hear "agriculture" in BIM the only thing come to mind that will make quick money is "WEED".
We give her the vote and so far she ain't disappoint us. I pray for many year's of good health,strength and wellness.
The guyanese that was here keeping the agriculture sector alive the past government take away their work permit and send them bk all in the name of politics there is no shame in asking them to return guyanese don't hold grudge they forgive very easily bajans just have to swallow their pride and let the ppl come back instead of have to be seeking so far for help
Matty Hodges what do u mean when u say we need to get rid of the Prime minister for that to happen state what u mean .
Esther, I think he means the UK prime minister. She's becoming unpopular.
Hoping some life can be brought back to Sealy Hall Bottom, St. John (used to be the main route to Consett’s Bay).
Two proper commonwealth nations I hope the UK can be a proper commonwealth nation one day i hope for 29th March 2019 but we need to get rid of the prime minister for that to happen but it's what the people want
The health care aspect should be interesting.