Minister of Agriculture of St Kitts and Nevis, Samal Duggins announced the expansion of the ongoing ‘graduate scholarship for citizens’ initiative that was started last year by providing five (5) full undergraduate scholarships annually to citizens of St Kitts and Nevis through partnership with Southern University. This initiative aims to foster a stronger agricultural sector by empowering young minds of the nation.
Moreover, it will encourage the citizens to study several branches of agriculture, that include Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, and Soil Science. The government’s vision behind this initiative is to train the future agricultural leaders with skills and knowledge needed to improve and evolve the agricultural sector.
The Southern University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with St Kitts and Nevis Ministry of Education. The signing was done by Orlando F. McMeans, Chancellor – Dean of the Southern University Ag Center and the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences, was held on December 27, 2023.
The ceremony was attended by St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr, Terrance Dew, Agriculture Minister Samal Duggins, and Hadiya Claxton, Special Envoy for Investment, Development and International Business Relations along with some other government officials.
Additionally, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) also brought some initiatives:
- Access to cutting-edge research and development in sustainable agriculture, climate change solutions, and medicinal plants.
- Expert consultancy services to assist farmers with sustainable and environmental agricultural practices.
- Certification courses in vendor food safety, enhancing agricultural business standards across the sector.
Sharing the details of the signed MoU, Minister Duggins in one of his recent post on his official Facebook page stated “These initiatives are equipping our citizens with the tools, knowledge, and expertise needed to revolutionize our agricultural sector.” He further mentioned that by training the next generation of agricultural sector with innovation, they are preparing the nation to thrive in the global market.
The government continues to encourage eligible citizens to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for scholarships and contribute to the development of a strong and powerful agricultural sector in St Kitts and Nevis.
