Chairperson of the WFDNCTT highlights the impact of water scarcity on food security at World Food Day Exhibition in Tobago

October 18th, 2023:-  “The time has come for us to take a conscientious step towards preserving our environment, conserving water and ensuring sustainable food production for the future.” So said the Chairman of the World Food Day National Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (WFDNCTT), Ms. Teresa Rosemond, as she addressed the launch of the World Food Day Exhibition in Shawpark, Tobago on Wednesday 18th October, 2023. In her address at the event, Ms. Rosemond emphasized the critical issues of food security and water scarcity that our global community faces today.

She stressed the significance of sustainable agricultural practices in ensuring food security and water availability. She stated: “By planting a tree, the WFDNCTT symbolically took another step towards preserving our environment, conserving water and ensuring sustainable food production for the future.”

Ms. Rosemond also emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in addressing food security challenges. She said: “Our small-scale farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs play a vital role in maintaining our food supply. By supporting them, we can create jobs, stimulate economic growth and reduce our Food Import Bill.”

The exhibition served as a platform to recognize and celebrate individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the agricultural sector. Ms. Rosemond highlighted the significance of these “Food Heroes” and their impact on the community, stating: “Today’s Grand Agricultural Exhibition aids in raising awareness of the significance of agriculture and food production and also highlights who we, the WFDNCTT refer to as ‘Food Heroes’ – those individuals who sustainably plant, produce, process, and transport food, to ensure that our citizens have access to affordable and nutritious food.”

Looking ahead, Ms. Rosemond invited attendees to the WFDNCTT’s second Food Heroes Exhibition which takes place on Saturday 21st October, 2023, at the compound of the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts in San Fernando. She stated: “Our exhibition, much like yours, is a platform to recognize and celebrate those individuals who play a crucial role in the development of our agricultural sector. Their efforts remind us that we are not alone in our collective pursuit towards food security.”

Ms. Rosemond concluded her address with a call for collaboration and innovation to address food security challenges. She stated: “Our Government, business sector, non-governmental organizations, and citizens must come together to find innovative solutions to food security issues. Through our schools and communities, we strive to empower individuals to embrace home and community gardening. Our aim is to educate the national community on growing food using small spaces and inspire innovative approaches to agriculture, proving that anyone can participate in sustainable food production, even with limited resources.”

As Trinidad and Tobago work towards sustainable agriculture and food security, the WFDNCTT remains committed to empowering individuals, engaging communities, and inspiring citizens to contribute to the nation’s food security agenda.

 

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Photo Caption:- Chair of the World Food Day National Committee of Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Teresa Rosemond (left) presents a Jack Fruit publication to the Secretary for Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment and Sustainable Development (Tobago House of Assembly), Assemblyman Nathisha Charles-Pantin (right), following the launch of the World Food Day Exhibition in Shawpark, Tobago on Wednesday 18th October, 2023.