Newly appointed Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Climate Change, Lisa Jawahir, has officially assumed office and is immediately taking decisive action.
She is committed to prioritizing food security within the agricultural sector and addressing other critical issues head-on.
In her first days, Minister Jawahir has briefed the public on her robust agenda, smoothly transitioning from the swearing-in ceremony to a strategic meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Agriculture. This sets a commanding tone for her active and hands-on leadership.
After the meeting, Minister Jawahir described her initial experience with the ministry as both insightful and promising, as she quickly familiarizes herself with the breadth of her responsibilities.
“It has been enlightening to orient myself within the ministry, understand various departments, and identify areas where I can streamline operations and tackle challenges,” she stated.
Jawahir asserts that strengthening national food security while embracing innovation in the agricultural sector will be central to her mission. “I am determined to share the government’s vision for bolstering our food security systems and integrating innovative techniques into agriculture. Technology has become integral to agriculture in recent years, and I intend to take this commitment even further,” she declared.
The minister expressed confidence in the solid groundwork prepared by the ministry. “A strong foundation has been established, and now it’s time to elevate our efforts to the next level,” Jawahir asserted.
She also highlighted the alignment of her approach with the Prime Minister’s broader vision for the sector.
“We understand the rationale behind the Prime Minister’s choice to appoint me to this ministry. My methods resonate with his mandate and the results he seeks,” she affirmed.
Looking ahead, Jawahir has laid out an ambitious agenda for stakeholder engagement starting early in the new year, demonstrating her commitment to inclusive decision-making.
“We will be actively engaging with stakeholders at all levels beginning in January. I will meet farmers, fishers, and various groups to foster a direct connection with them as their new minister,” she stated.
These consultations will prioritize both listening and leading.
“It’s essential for me to understand their challenges and intentions for supporting the sector,” Jawahir added.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Bradley St Ange, welcomed the new minister and expressed strong confidence in her leadership.
“The Ministry of Agriculture will accelerate its food security initiatives and modernize the agricultural sector. We are optimistic that Minister Jawahir will excel in her role and play a crucial part in achieving our mandate,” St Ange affirmed.
With a clear focus on food security, innovation, and engaging stakeholders, Minister Jawahir’s decisive actions signal a vigorous start to what promises to be a transformative period for agriculture, fisheries, and climate resilience in Saint Lucia.