“Even as love ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun, so shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.”
This memorable passage from “The Prophet” written by the late Lebanese, Khalil Gibran, came to my mind as I sat among a group of two hundred people, at Caribbean Cinemas-on International Day for Rural Women (October 15) – for the premiere of the documentary entitled, “Roots of Resilience: Stories of Caribbean Women in Agriculture.” The film produced by Helen’s Daughters ( HD), captured all that is exalting about our tiny island, especially the massive, uninhibited, creativity, talent and sense of daring and determination of our young people.
My heart rejoiced at the home-grown character of the film, which was conceived and co-directed by HDs formidable CEO, Mrs Keithlin Caroo-Afrifa. It was directed by Ms. Curmiah Lisette—a hugely talented poet, educator and performer, with an impressive, creative background, confirmed by a coterie of national, regional and international awards. The script was written by team members of HD—a non-profit organization established in 2016, by Mrs Caroo-Afrifa—which has done much, in little time, to shape the perception, capacity, productivity and self-esteem of rural women farmers, in Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, through free training programmes, health clinics, farm-to-table cooking shows, and an agri-tourism network that aims to boost the income-earning potential of women.
The documentary features a cast of local “farm-hers” including Elizabeth Myrtle Charles, Patricia Sonny, and Helena Thomas, who shared compelling testimonials of their unconditional love of farming, rooted in familial history and circumstances, but tested by unceasing trials and tribulations, caused by extreme weather events, crop pests and diseases, and praedial larceny. They shared their appreciation for what farming and HD have helped them accomplish, including better feeding, clothing and educating their children.
Mrs Caroo-Afrifa shared her delight at having completed a “Netflix-quality documentary,” that succinctly traces the history of agriculture in Saint Lucia and recounts the stories of the common folk who, literally and figuratively, have carried the industry on their backs and shoulders for decades. She was equally effusive about the transformation that HD has helped to bring about in the mindset and disposition of farm-hers, since its establishment eight short years ago. She opined that the decades-long, non-recognition of the contribution of rural women to the industry, has caused policymakers to lose sight of the significant role that women can play in boosting the viability and sustainability of the sector, through targeted and sustained support from Governments.
Mrs Caroo-Afrifa also spoke proudly of HDs policy to fend for itself and not seek financial assistance from the Governments of the three islands in which HD operates. She explained that she had adopted this stance to ensure that HD remains an organization that is free and open to all. She emphasised that “Helen’s Daughters does not want to lean on Governments but would prefer Governments to lean into its work.”
A low point in what was otherwise an exhilarating evening was learning of the challenges being faced by HD in securing a parcel of Crown Lands in Roseau, which was promised to it to advance its great work. Mrs Caroo-Afrifa revealed that despite her best efforts, this promise had not been kept and invited the assistance of those audience members with access to the levers of power to make it happen. It was disheartening that Mrs. Afrifa felt compelled to publicly raise the matter. I and several audience members promised to assist. The feedback I have received leads me to believe the matter will be resolved sooner rather than later. It’s clear organisations like HD are helping to drive the national development agenda in critical areas, like women’s empowerment, food security and rural development. Critically, HD does not place a financial burden on the State.
The documentary made me reflect on the dramatic demise of agriculture in less than three decades. Some of the causes are self-inflicted. We did not act quickly enough to prepare for the loss of preferential access to the UK/EU market and to cushion its impact on farmers. Moreover, costly missteps were made after we assumed control of the commanding heights of the banana business from Geest, with the formation of WIBDECO. Extreme weather events made things worse. Many farmlands that were decimated by Tropical Storm Debbie in 1994, have not been resuscitated and many former farmers have migrated to the tourism transportation sub-sector. Meanwhile, the country’s food import bill and consequently inflation continues to soar.
Many of our current social challenges are linked to agriculture’s decline. At its peak in the mid-1980s, agriculture directly and indirectly supported nearly 10,000 families and created a multiplier effect that raised living standards across the country. Moreover, as Patricia Sonny explained, hunger is never an issue for farmers and their families.
The revival of Saint Lucia’s agriculture is about more than assuring food security and reducing the importation of food. It is also about restoring the soul of our communities. Agriculture was the glue that held families and communities together. It gave a unique rhythm to community life. The daily work schedule of farmers meant that by mid-afternoon, many had returned from their farms and were able to immerse themselves in family and community life and cultural activities. The values, ethics, culture, discipline, resolve etc., that are embedded in agriculture are vital to building psychological balance among our people.
Restoring agriculture to its former glory will not be easy. Farming is not for everyone. In many ways, it’s a vocation. Love has a lot to do with it. Only those who love it, like the members of Helen’s Daughters, will persevere through its “wet days.” We must hope that it succeeds. If it does, we should see the return of viable family farms, headed by more farm-hers.