Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar says the government is going to work on reopening every buying depot in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to purchase farmers’ produce.
This was one of the announcements he made on Sunday at Rabacca at a rally to celebrate the Unity Labour Party’s 24th anniversary in office.
“There are farmers here with us, and we love our farmers because without them, we can’t get any food,” the South Central Windward MP said.
“Over the next two weeks, we’ll be printing 2,000 cards, $1,800 on each card, for the farmers of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as we continue to recover from the hurricanes,” Caesar said.
“Tomorrow, 35,000 chickens will be brought into this country to spread across this country for the farmers to work on food and nutrition security,” Caesar said.
“Again, for the farmers, starting this week, every single buying depot in this country, we’re going to work on reopening these buying depots so they could go and they could sell your produce. Put your pot on the fire, the Unity Labour Party is here working in your interest.”
Caesar is slated to face another challenge by the main opposition New Democratic Party’s Israel Bruce, a senator, as he seeks a fourth consecutive five-year term in office.
In 2020, when Bruce made his first challenge, Caesar held on to the seat by 239 votes, down from 588 in 2015 and 568 in 2010.
General elections are widely expected by November, ahead of the February 2026 constitutional deadline.
Caesar noted that Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has said that the young people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines must soar with their wings unclipped.
“In a few weeks, we have our children will be doing their CPEA (Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment) exam, and because of the Unity Labour Party, because of your vote, every single child is guaranteed a seat in a secondary school in this country,” Caesar said.
“Comrades, those things would not have been possible if on election day you did not go out and vote,” Caesar said.
“When the NDP, when they see the crowd here tonight, they head going hurt them, because every turn you turn in this country, road doing, clinics are being rehabilitated. Every turn you turn in this country, they’re hearing about hotels opening; you’re hearing about students going off to university.”
Caesar said that in South Central Windward, there is an average of one medical doctor per village because of the ULP.
“Show your love for Labour! Comrades, we must stand united comrades. I want you to look at the person next to you and say, ‘Let us stand united; stand united.
“Because, as the Good Book says, we must put aside those things which so easily beset us. The next election, six in a row, straight six. Is straight six for Labour. We stand predominate. Love your comrades, love your party, love your leader. Let us move forward to victory,” Caesar said.
Dear Minister Ceasar, Why did you close these buying depots in the first place and how long have they been closed? What was the impact of the closure on the farmers? How did they survive? Why have you now decided to open them? Is it because elections are near? Its funny how the ULP Gov’t comes out of its hibernation for the first four years of each term then in the fifth year (election year) they have all these promises to do this, that and the other. What the hell were you and the ULP doing for the past 25 years?
Some people just don’t have any shame. Every thing you plan tp reopen died a natiaral death under your leadership now you plan on reopening.
What you took 24 years and destroyed how long is it gonna take you to have all ready for reopening? Some of you think all of us are no brainers.