They were performing as part of a ceremony held to commemorate International World Food Day under the theme “BVI Farmers United Against Hunger.” The students also recited Bible verses and stressed the benefits of a healthy diet.

After the ceremony, the Department of Agriculture served samples of rabbit meat, mutton and sweet gourd.

The annual observance is celebrated on Oct. 16 by more than 150 countries, according to Arona Fahie-Forbes, deputy chief agricultural officer.

“World Food Day is observed to heighten awareness on the problem of hunger in the world and to strengthen international and national solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition, poverty — and also to draw attention to the achievements in food and agricultural development,” she said.

Sandra Walters-Malone, who delivered a sermon at the event, said some Virgin Islands residents go hungry. “There is hunger in the BVI. It is not widespread, but there is hunger,” Ms. Walters-Malone said.

To help those in need, the community must unite, she added.

“We have to start by first educating the public and children what it means to be well fed,” Ms. Walters-Malone said, adding that some VI residents who have plenty of food still suffer from malnutrition.

The speaker also urged residents to unite with farmers in the fight against hunger. “Farming is a viable and honourable profession that we must encourage our young people to follow,” Ms. Walters-Malone said. “Today, many of us think that to be a farmer means to be unsuccessful, … but yet, that is far from the truth.”

Chief Agricultural Officer Bevin Braithwaite also spoke. “We in the BVI are still blessed not to suffer the want of food on a high level,” he said.

Speaking about the theme of the event, Mr. Braithwaite said many VI farmers suffered damages as a result of Hurricane Earl and Tropical Storm Otto. “The government is trying its hardest to offer assistance to the farmers,” he added.