Students from seven primary schools in District 4 recently competed in a Food Security Campaign organized by the Consumer Affairs Department, under the theme, “Grow What You Eat, Eat What You Grow.” For the competition, students were provided with seeds to establish school gardens and were required to create short videos chronicling their experiences, which were later judged.
An awards ceremony was held at the Archbishop Kelvin Felix Pastoral Centre in Marisule on Thursday, January 15, 2026, to recognize students who participated in the Backyard Garden Competition that was launched last year as part of the Consumer Affairs Department’s contribution to Business Month activities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte-Emmanuel, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Equity, Labour, Gender and Elderly Affairs, Social Justice and Consumer Welfare, said the initiative speaks directly to our national development goals, our youth, and our future food security.
“Food security remains a priority, and we are committed to reducing our food import bill, strengthening local production, and building resilience against global supply disruptions,” she said. “This initiative represents the kind of practical, results-driven collaboration that we aim to promote across the public service. It demonstrates how policy direction, when supported by effective implementation and strong partnerships, can translate into meaningful outcomes at the community and school levels.”
Dr. Hippolyte-Emmanuel emphasized that by engaging schools, students are introduced to practical skills, responsible consumption, and an appreciation for where food comes from, while nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset that understands that agriculture and food production are viable, innovative, and essential components of economic growth.
She thanked the Government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for their invaluable support: “Through this partnership, Taiwanese experts visited the schools and worked directly with students, sharing hands-on knowledge in farming techniques, crop management, and sustainable practices. I am certain that this form of technical cooperation has made the learning experience real, interactive, and impactful.”
Dr. Hippolyte-Emmanuel also commended the students for accepting the challenge, and pouring their creativity, teamwork, and commitment into the competition: “You have demonstrated that food security is not just a concept discussed by adults, but something you can actively participate in and influence.”
The principals and teachers were also cited for their leadership and dedication in guiding the students, integrating the programme into school life, and encouraging participation — all of which were critical to the success of the initiative.
Mr. Bradley St. Ange, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Climate Change, said the young farmers in the making are those who will cause the citizenry to access enough nutritious food to live healthy and active lives in the future.
Mr. St. Ange noted that food security is about dignity, opportunity, and national strength. To that end, he said the observance of Business Month in November last year reflected on how innovation, enterprise, and sustainability intersect within our agricultural sector.
Mrs. Selena Chang, Deputy Counselor at the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), said that aside from planting seeds, the students learned where food comes from, how to care for plants, and how creativity, teamwork and responsibility help things grow.
She expressed appreciation to the Consumer Affairs Department for organizing the campaign, the Ministry of Agriculture for their strong support, and the Taiwan Technical Mission for providing valuable technical guidance. She also thanked the school principals, teachers, and staff for their dedication and guidance, all of which contributed to turning school gardens into places of learning, growth, and inspiration.
“Our Taiwan Technical Mission experts shared an important lesson with me,” she said. “When they plant seeds, they never know exactly what will grow — or if anything will grow at all. But they know one very important thing: as long as they still have seeds, they always have another chance. Taiwan is proud to partner with Saint Lucia in developing sustainable agriculture, and we will continue to work closely with Saint Lucia to strengthen food security and agricultural education.”
Mrs. Norma Fontaine, Deputy Director in the Consumer Affairs Department, said the initiative was the last of the 2025 Business Month activities hosted under the former Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs.
She said that since the launch of the Backyard Garden Competition on October 22, 2025, seven primary schools across District 4 embraced the challenge of food security with enthusiasm, teamwork, and innovation. From planting the seeds to harvesting crops, she said the students learned firsthand the value of agriculture, environmental stewardship, and self-reliance.
Seeds, technical support, and monetary prizes for the top three performing schools were generously provided by the Taiwan Technical Mission, while the other schools received special prizes. Under the guidance of Ms. Maria Jaganath, Project Lead, the schools transformed their outdoor spaces into classrooms where their lessons extended far beyond their textbooks.
Ciceron R.C. Combined School claimed first prize with 190 points, followed by Millet Primary School with 183 points, and Anse La Raye Primary School with 156 points. Other schools in the competition were La Croix Maingot Combined School, Roseau R.C. Combined School, L’Abayee SDA Primary School, and Odsan Primary School.