-at Eastern Caribbean Youth Parliament

Antigua and Barbuda’s CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Chrysean Jarvis,has singled out Guyana’s investments in agriculture and food security as an example for Caribbean nations seeking to diversify their economies and reduce their dependence on imported food.

Speaking during the Eastern Caribbean Youth Parliament, Jarvis commended Guyana’s approach to agricultural development, particularly its investments in modern farming techniques and efforts to strengthen domestic food production.

“If we look further within the entire Caribbean region, we must also give commendations to Guyana. Guyana is showing us a great landmark, showing us how it is done,” he told the Parliament. “Guyana is the only country currently that is able to feed the people or feed its population, and that itself is commendable, and that is because they’re investing in the agricultural sector. They’re experimenting.”

His remarks come as Guyana continues to expand its agricultural sector through investments in poultry, aquaculture and agro-processing, while promoting climate-smart technologies to increase production and strengthen food security.

These investments have led to the implementation of initiatives such as the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP), which has created opportunities for young people to become involved in modern farming, including shade-house cultivation, hydroponics and high-value crop production.

Launched in 2022, the programme has grown significantly, with more than 1,000 shade houses operating across the country, supporting production for local consumption and regional markets. About 300 young people are also involved in the initiative.

Jarvis urged other Caribbean countries to adopt this approach, particularly as the region continues to grapple with a substantial food import bill and exposure to international supply disruptions.

“A region that imports so much of its food… cannot afford to treat economic diversification as an option, it must be a priority,” he declared.

Jarvis argued that greater agricultural production would help Caribbean economies retain more of their resources, create employment and reduce their vulnerability to rising international prices.

“Every dollar spent importing food we could produce at home is an opportunity we have failed to cultivate,” he stated.

He also stressed the importance of investing in climate-smart agriculture, including drip irrigation and innovative farming methods, to help regional farmers withstand hurricanes, droughts and other disruptions.

“When we strengthen our agriculture sector, we improve the food security, we improve our food sovereignty,” Jarvis said.

The youth ambassador maintained that Caribbean nations must make better use of their resources and rebuild their capacity to provide for themselves.

Guyana has been taking steps in this direction through large-scale corn and soya bean cultivation, intended to reduce dependence on imported livestock feed. 
The government is also expanding aquaculture, livestock and agro-processing industries. Government investments include prawn farming, modern poultry production, improved livestock breeding and processing facilities intended to increase local production and create new export opportunities.

These efforts are complemented by financial incentives aimed at reducing production costs and protecting farmers’ livelihoods. In 2026, the government introduced a G$3 billion support package for rice farmers, providing acreage-based cash grants, alongside fertiliser assistance, tax concessions and crop insurance to cushion farmers against financial and climate-related risks.