Youths are the f

ocus of this year’s Farmers’ Week celebrations, which the Department of Agriculture emphasised by hosting several student performances at the opening ceremonies Friday.

Students from the Bethany Baptist Church in Long Look observe sheep in pens as they tour the Paraquita Bay agricultural grounds during the opening ceremony of Farmers’ Week on Friday. Photo: CHRYSTALL KANYUCKThe focus also reflects government’s commitment to “building a better Virgin Islands,” Premier Dr. Orlando Smith said during an opening ceremony at Paraquita Bay.

“Youth are the future of agriculture,” Dr. Smith said, adding that the territory’s children must be trained in farming. He urged the community to bring children into the day-to-day activities of a farm.

“Let them see the hard work that goes into agriculture so that they can appreciate this valuable industry,” Dr. Smith said.

Deputy Premier Dr. Kedrick Pickering, who is the minister of natural resources and labour, also gave remarks at the ceremony, as did Chief Agricultural Officer Bevin Braithwaite.

The Paraquita Bay exhibition continues Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. before moving to the sister islands Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

See the Feb. 7, 2013 edition for full coverage.

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