Trelawny, Jamaica – The 20th staging of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) officially opened in Jamaica on September 27 with a ceremony that celebrated the region’s brightest agricultural talents. Before an audience of policymakers, farmers, youth leaders, several awards were presented to outstanding contributors across the sector.
Saint Vincent Girls’ High School of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines took first place in the CARICOM “I Am Agriculture: Youth in Agriculture High School Video Competition”. Mopan Technical High School of Belize placed second, and Gingerland Secondary School in Saint Kitts & Nevis third.
Accepting the award on behalf of Saint Vincent Girls’ High School, Zea Glass expressed gratitude and encouraged other young girls to venture into agriculture.
“I am very proud [of this accomplishment]. Me and my classmates worked hard on the submission. We put a lot of effort into the farm. I am grateful for the cash prize [US$1,700]. It is an incentive to encourage young girls to get into agriculture and say yes, I can do it too. I am agriculture.”
Recognising the next generation of agricultural leaders, Dywany St. John of Dominica was named the CARICOM Young Farmer of the Year 2026. This award recognises young farmers who use technology, innovation, creativity, and strong business practices, while creating role models and opportunities for training and financing. It also promotes food security, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience across the Caribbean.
Inspired by a passion passed down from his father, the 28-year-old St. John balances his work as a professional police officer in Roseau with managing his farm in the Wesley community, which operates on a circular economy model. He supplies fresh produce to the Dominican Export Import Agency and the Multipurpose Pack House.
Asked what inspires him, St. John shared, “Throughout my journey, I have been guided by a motto that continues to inspire me: “Take time to do good.” These words remind me that true success is not measured only by what we achieve for ourselves, but also by how we serve others, support our communities, and use every opportunity to make a positive difference.”
The Ministers of Agriculture CARICOM Farmer of the Year 2026, was awarded to Walkerswood (Jamaica) and collected by Sean Garbutt, Sales and Marketing Director at Associated Manufacturers Limited, the brand owners for Walkerswood. The award recognises a farming entity or individual who has made significant contributions to food security, economic development, and the advancement of the region’s agricultural industry.
Dr. Renata Clarke, Sub-regional Coordinator, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), was recognised for her indelible contributions to the advancement and transformation of Caribbean food systems.
Speaking on the significance of these awards, Dr. Wendell Samuels, Assistant Secretary-General – Directorate for Economic Integration, Innovation and Development, CARICOM Secretariat emphasised the critical role of agriculture in the region’s future.
“The future of Caribbean agriculture depends not only on Government actions but on collective responsibility of all of us…I am particularly encouraged by the growing participation of young people in agriculture. Their energy, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit will be critical to achieving the objectives of Vision 2025 by 2025 plus 5. The awards and recognition being presented tonight reminds us that the future of Caribbean agriculture is already taking root in the hands of a new generation.”
The awards presentation set a celebratory tone for the week ahead, reinforcing the collective commitment of CARICOM nations to invest in youth, innovation, and the sustainable growth of the region’s food systems.
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