Editor: I recently took some time off and drove around mainland St Vincent, and I was amazed by the numerous plots of land that are not in use. I was also astonished by the beauty of my blessed island. Everyone should know that land is very essential, and it’s a resource that St Vincent has been blessed with.{{more}}

I’m of the opinion that we Vincentians have been neglecting the fact that we are not making use of our lands, which is the key factor in paving the way to our country’s development. It’s time for us to use our lands that can provide us with everything we need. A few years ago, everywhere one travelled in St Vincent you saw what our lands did; today, it’s difficult. Why? In 2016 the world’s population is increasing and the demand for lands is increasing as well. Could one say that St Vincent can meet the necessary demands for lands? Yes, I truly think that St Vincent can.

In today’s society, jobs are difficult to obtain; technology is advancing and the climate is changing. People should be eating healthily by consuming natural foods, grown from the earth, but still our lands sit idly by doing nothing. Vincentians need to understand that our lands are very important if we have to survive in this hostile climate where the world is collapsing around us.

Recently, the people of England voted to get out of the European Union, and whether you believe it or not, it will have a negative effect on us. That is not simply my opinion; it’s a fact! The impact it will have on St Vincent and the Grenadines will surface over a period of time. The USA is investing their money abroad and they are facing difficulties reaping the benefits of their investments and that’s why we need to pay very close attention to what is taking place with the USA’s economy in the future. Also the decline of oil is having a negative effect on their stock market. These are all reasons why food and food security is essential to our survival and our focus should be on that.

Our politicians should make a better effort to deal with food security and the importance of going back to the lands. They need to manufacture ways to encourage Vincentians to work the lands. There are a lot of young people who are out of jobs; let’s put them in an agriculture programme, which would both benefit them and our country. Agriculture should be taught in all schools in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Teach about the importance of lands and owning lands. Teach them about the numerous crops that can be

cultivated on our soil. Land is wealth and all should try and own land, as it is key to development.

Let’s go back to our grounds! I’m hoping that we will make use of our lands in the future; let’s not take our blessing for granted.

Kingsley DeFreitas