Rain or sunshine, nothing could stop about two dozen farmers from selling their fresh produce on Friday at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park.
The department blamed the recent drought, which resulted in poor yield, but many farmers didn’t buy that logic.
“It is a big lie,” said Moviene Fahie, who helped organise the Friday event. “We were hurting and we had this produce, so we came out to show the people that we can still keep agriculture alive.”
The farmers worked together to organise the fair, Ms. Fahie, said, adding that cancelling Farmers’ Week was a bad idea.
“All the famers need is water and government to protect the famers,” she said. “We can still do it.”
On board
Many farmers welcomed the plan to hold a fair despite the cancellation, according to Ms. Fahie.
“As soon as we let them know what we want to do, they were on board,” she said. “Next year will be greater and better. [The Agriculture Department] is not a part of us: We have our own thing.”
Vincent Frett was among the farmers who showcased their produce at the park, where there was live music, local drinks and plenty of food.
The drought last year affected Mr. Frett’s farm, but not enough to hinder him from participating in the fair, he explained, adding that he is not a regular at Farmers’ Week.
“We normally don’t participate because sometimes we don’t have enough water,” he said.
Mr. Frett and his wife, however, thought it wise to partner with the other farmers on Friday, he said, explaining that the collaboration shows how much can be done without government’s assistance.
Enid Maximea, who displayed her produce nearby, agreed.
“I think not having Farmers’ Week this year was probably a bad idea, whether or not the harvest was plenty or not,” she said. “As you look around, you can see there is a lot. I came here with just about 120 pounds of produce, and I hope that before the day is over, I can go home for more and come back. We are not doing really bad.”
Buyers
Dr. Natalie Brewley was among the attendees who appreciated the farmers’ efforts.
“It’s good to see the farmers doing their own thing,” she said. “It’s a shame government hasn’t done anything for them.”
Dr. Brewley bought mostly vegetables at the fair.
“I buy [local produce] as often as I need and can,” she said. “It is better: There are more nutrients.”
Attempts to reach Chief Agricultural Officer Bevin Braithwaite were unsuccessful.
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