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Contact:
John Emmanuel
Thursday, October 16, 2003 - As another World Food Day observance takes
place today, Thursday, October 16, 2003, the St. Lucian population has been
called upon to pursue a path that leads to meaningful economic diversification,
particularly in the rural communities.
The call came from Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Senator Hon.
Calixte George, who emphasised the intricate link between economic growth and
the export competitiveness of the productive sector. “As part of the process we
must network to achieve three essential elements of economic and social
development; food security, sustainable agriculture and increased rural
prosperity,” Minister George said.
In recent times, specific problems directed at alleviating poverty have been
formulated. One such endeavour is the Poverty Reduction Fund. Minister George
spoke of other programmes instituted by government designed to tackle the aspect
of poverty reduction, like the Basic Needs Trust Fund, the School Feeding
Programme, the Short Term Employment Programme and other farmer assistance
initiatives like the Banana Industry Trust and the Banana Emergency Recovery
Unit.
The Agriculture Minister lamented the fact that although advances in the field
of science and technology has allowed for more food production than ever before,
some 860 million people in the developing world continue to suffer from a lack
of adequate food supplies
The theme for today’s celebration - “Working Together for an International
Alliance Against Hunger” - will be portrayed in various ways including
exhibitions and discussions.
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