Nevis to host “Agri-Expo 2023”, feature Domino event, food demos, exotic zoo

Nevis: Ministry of Agriculture of Nevis is all set to host “AGRI-EXPO 2023” under the theme- “Together for food sovereignty, Agri-expo 2023” from March 30 to 31, 2023. The expo will be held at ETW PARK Charlestown.

The agri-expo 2023 will feature several events such as a “Domino Competition”, Livestock Raffle”, “Attractions”, Technical Demos, Food Demos, Farmers’ Market, Kid’s Zone, Exotic Zoo, Food Court, Agro-Processing and Art and Craft.

DOMINO CΟΜΡETITIOΝ- The competition will feature three rounds Preliminary Round, Semi-Final, and Final. The details are as follows:

PRELIMINARY ROUND

• SATURDAY 25TH MARCH, 2023
• VENUE: FRIEND’S BAR, BATH VILLAGE

SEMI-FINALS & FINAL

• 1ST PLACE $1,000
• 2ND PLACE-$800
• 3RD PLACE- $500
• 4TH PLACE – $250

Ministry of Agriculture of Nevis added,” Check out the dates, prizes and registration contact info for the Agri-Expo 2023 Domino Competition. Sponsored by The Finished Touch Ltd- TFT & Brand’s Architectural Services Ltd. There’s something for everyone at this year’s Agri-Expo.”

ATTRACTIONS: The attractions are as follows:

• TECHNICAL DEMOS
• FOOD DEMOS
• AGRICULTURAL AFFILIATED SERVICE & PRODUCT PROVIDERS
• FARMER’S MARKET
• FOOD COURT
• KID’S ZONE
• EXOTIC ZOO
• AGRO-PROCESSORS
• ART & CRAFT
• ORNAMENTALS
• CULTURAL ACTS
• LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Ministry of Agriculture of Nevis added,” We weren’t joking when we said we’re doing it big this year! Here’s a look at the various attractions at our Agri-Expo. There’s a lot on offer, come and be apart of this can’t-miss experience.”

The Thursday will feature:

• Kore Band
• Odisi Band
• Recklife Movement

The Friday will feature:

• Grand Masters Band
• Nu Wave Band
• Blackstone Sounds

The Ministry of Agriculture of Nevis also shared the new video series – Agri Updates. In this series, they feature everything agriculture and of course, we begin with Agri-Expo 2023.  They will be providing updates leading up to the highly anticipated event. In this video, they will also learn about the background of Agri-Expo as well as some of the crop and meat products that will be available for purchase on the 30th and 31st of March.

The Veterinary Division is ready, as always and invited them to check it out as they showcase exotic animals, livestock, and domestic animals. They will have various products on sale, their usual petting zoo for the kids, exotic birds, and pets on sale. They especially invite their livestock farmers, to attend the demos as their officers aim to educate and demonstrate proper splint application and making your own automatic watering system.

The 2023 Agri-Expo Patron, Collin “Kong” Huggins. They take a deep dive into his 42 year journey as a commercial fisherman. Collin shares the origin of his fishing career, his highs and lows as well as some words of wisdom.  Agri-Expo takes place on Thursday 30th and Friday 31st March at the ETW Park, Charlestown.

Ministry of Agriculture is pleased to introduce the Patron for our Agri-Expo 2023 –  Collin Huggins. Huggins has been involved in both fishing and livestock farming from an early age. He describes being in the agriculture field as his livelihood.

At the age of 28, he vowed to never work for anyone again and that vow to himself is what has been the foreground and rooting force of his career coupled with some fortuitous twists of fate and hard work.

Upon leaving school he joined the police force. However, after a short stint of 3 years he realized that it was not the path he wanted to take with his life. His love for fishing ultimately won and he began his 42 year journey. Collin’s involvement in fishing began with him pulling traps for his father. His father, himself a fisherman and farmer, became ill and this led to Collin assuming the brunt of the responsibility. Huggins continues to make significant contributions to the agriculture sector as both supplier of land and sea.

Collin credits Berkley Dore for the valuable lessons he instilled in him. These experiences served to expand his skillset and ultimately be better in his commercial fishing duties on Nevis.

Collin advises young persons with interest in the fishing field that “…if you aren’t devoted and determined to be a fisher, do not go out to sea”. He also took time to highlight some challenges he faces daily which includes the lack of attention towards the wants and needs of the fishing community as well as scuba divers that shoot in fish breeding grounds.

When asked about his fondest memory at sea, Collin chuckled and recalled the day he caught a fish that was both unknown to himself and his counterparts. The fishing list didn’t have anything on this fish. Absolutely nobody knew what type of fish it was – “maybe it was a mermaid”.

Collin loves his job, his family and children. He acknowledges that being in the agricultural sector has played a major role in his growth and continues to be the hallmark of his life. The Minister and Ministry of Agriculture on the inaugural staging of the Agri-Expo is pleased to recognize and salute Collin Huggins for his stellar contribution to the island’s fishing industry.