CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – May 13, 2026 – In a new milestone for cross-island agricultural collaboration, Nevis’ Deputy Premier and Agriculture Minister Eric Evelyn has publicly commended the government and organizing team behind Anguilla’s 2026 Agri Fest, calling the event a masterclass in showcasing local agricultural progress amid persistent environmental challenges.
Evelyn was joined by two senior Nevis agricultural officials – Rhosyll Gaskell, Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, and Randy Elliott, Director of Agriculture – for the opening of the exhibition, which was held on May 8 on the neighboring island. The Nevis delegation accepted the invitation to attend after a three-member Anguilla contingent visited Nevis’ own 30th annual Agri Expo earlier that same year.
In comments shared by the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) following the trip, Evelyn emphasized that Agri Fest 2026 stood out for its thoughtful adaptation to Anguilla’s longstanding dry climate conditions. The island’s widespread adoption of cutting-edge agricultural technology and climate-resilient innovative farming practices, he noted, yielded produce of exceptional quality that exceeded his expectations. “It was quite impressive. Anguilla has been very dry over the years so they are using quite a lot of technology in terms of their production and it was an excellent showing,” Evelyn said. “I was impressed with the quality of produce that I saw, with the attendance, with the participation and I think it augurs well for them to grow that event in the future.”
The minister extended his congratulations to Anguilla’s Ministry of Natural Resources and all participating stakeholders, emphasizing that the event clearly demonstrated the territory’s unwavering commitment to growing its domestic agricultural sector and strengthening national food security, even in the face of ongoing environmental hurdles. He also offered special recognition to outgoing Anguilla Director of Agriculture William Vanterpool, who is set to retire soon after decades of committed service to the island’s agricultural community. Evelyn described Agri Fest 2026 as a fitting capstone to Vanterpool’s impactful tenure, and praised the organizing team for pulling off a memorable, influential event that sets a strong foundation for Anguilla’s future agricultural growth.
Centered on the theme “Transforming Local Food Systems to Feed the Future,” Agri Fest 2026 brought together a broad cross-section of the agricultural community, including small-scale farmers, commercial fishers, industry stakeholders, and local supporters, for a collective celebration of domestic agriculture and community resilience in the face of climate uncertainty. The opening ceremony featured addresses from senior agricultural leaders, government officials, and tourism sector representatives, all of whom reinforced the urgent importance of strengthening local food supply chains and advancing sustainable agricultural development to protect food access for future generations.
Beyond the core agricultural exhibitions, attendees enjoyed a full schedule of community-focused activities, including traditional cultural performances, tastings of locally sourced dishes, and displays highlighting the breadth of Anguilla’s homegrown products and groundbreaking farming innovations. The event highlighted the deep connection between agriculture, cultural identity, and economic resilience across the island.
For Evelyn, the exchange of delegations between Nevis and Anguilla this year is more than a simple courtesy: it embodies the spirit of regional cooperation and solidarity that unites small island nations working toward shared food security goals. The two territories have already held multiple high-level discussions focused on establishing formal bilateral trade relations for agricultural goods, with talks centered on fresh produce, fresh meats, processed agro-products, and prawns. As both islands continue to prioritize expanding domestic food production and building climate-resilient food systems, deeper regional collaboration remains a core strategic priority for both administrations.