Marcel Hanley, left, accepts his weed wacker from Mr. Keithley Amory

The Department of Agriculture on Nevis handed over three sprayers and two weed whackers to three local farmers during a brief ceremony on Wednesday, May 5, in the Department of Agriculture conference room at Prospect Estate.

Chairman and Communications Supervisor for the Department of Agriculture Mr. Eric Evelyn stated that the sprayers came from the Taiwanese Mission, and the weed whackers were donated by a Nevisian living in New York, Mr. Orbourne "Spanky" Liburd.

He also informed attendees of the ceremony that at the moment, Nevis is self-sufficient in tomatoes and thus, importation of the fruit has temporarily stopped.

"Mr. Liburd has seen it fit to try and encourage our farmers here on Nevis by presenting two weed eaters to the major farmers here on Nevis," said Director of Agriculture Mr. Keithley Amory, noting further that the Taiwanese have been partnering with them over the years, providing valuable assistance.

Their donation of the three sprayers to the local farmers, according to Mr. Amory, is "a great incentive" for other farmers to continue or improve their production.

He then thanked the Taiwanese, Mr. Liburd, and the farmers for their continued work to ensure food security on Nevis, after which presenting a weed whacker to Mr. Donald Daniel and Mr. Marcel Hanley.

Permanent Secretary of the Department of Agriculture Dr. Kelvin Daly was also in attendance at the ceremony.

"I am happy to be associated with the farmers on Nevis," he said. "I recognize what it takes to be out there in the hot sun, all day long, trying to make something happen."

After his remarks, Dr. Daly presented a sprayer to Mrs. Elmena Webbe-Hanley, Mr. Daniel, and Mr. Hanley.

The Permanent Secretary mentioned that his only regret was seeing the same faces, as the occasion was not the first time that gifts from "allied" agencies were given to local farmers through the Department of Agriculture. He expressed his hopes that new persons would come on board and "move forward."

In closing, Mr. Evelyn congratulated the farmers and thanked Mr. Liburd, who comes back occasionally to visit Nevis.

Mr. Hanley was awarded the title 'Farmer for 2009,' and Mr. Daniel was recognized for 'Most Throughputs at Marketing for 2009' during this year's Open Day held in late March.