Farmers, fishers to receive income support next week

The anxiety level of farmers in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has been rising as they continue to wonder when they will be receiving their promised income support from the Government.

However, Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar, sought to calm their fears when he spoke on NBC radio on Wednesday, December 10, 2024 indicating that within days, they will be receiving the financial assistance promised.

Farmers were looking forward since November to receiving the money which will assist them to deal with losses suffered during the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 1, 2024.

The category 4 storm left a trail of damage and devastation in its path across the nation state, but moreso, in the Grenadines. However, farmers on the mainland also were hit a hard blow with the destruction of crops such as bananas and plantains, as well as vegetables.

The minister said income support will be provided to farmers, fishers, and other persons involved in the agriculture sector, paid via bank cards, and will be available to farmers and fishers on or about December 16, 2024.

Minister Caesar said a total of 5,800 persons in this category will receive cards to facilitate receipt of their income support, of $1,800 for the period October to December, which works out to $600 per month.

He advised farmers to listen out for further announcements concerning the payments, and he took the opportunity to commend all farmers and fisherfolk across the State for their hard work.