Abundant blessings in Union Island

EDITOR: Traditionally Union Island experienced a wet season and a dry season annually. Sufficient rain water is usually harvested during the rainy season and rationed in the dry season.

Local seeds would have adapted to the local weather conditions and we usually got a good crop as a consequence.

Some years saw extended dry season that may extend into a drought. We always had sufficient corn and peas from the previous season to feed the population.

When corn ran out elsewhere, many made their way to Gardenfield to buy, from the then known bread basket of the island likened to Joseph’s Egypt of Bible times.

In the years when the weather was not too co-operative, the foreign seeds performed poorly, while the indigenous seeds did well. The old farmers were meticulous in selecting and saving the best seeds for the next season.

This year however is turning out to be a particularly good one as we have had sufficient rain every month for the past five months. We are expecting an excellent crop of pigeon peas.

Sharon and Moulton Mulzac recorded excellent crops of corn and will have some more for the Christmas season.

Long ago there was much evidence of terracing, and contouring to conserve the soil and allow the water table to be recharged. This can be attributed to the work done by the then resident Agricultural Officer, Mr. Lloyd Browne.

Uncontrolled animals on the loose are still preventing many from growing crops.

Fencing, though it is very expensive, has become necessary if the families are to feed themselves.

Agriculture has great potential in Union Island as the crops grown here are more nutritious, and have higher quantities of cancer fighting anti-oxidants.

A resident agricultural officer can make a big difference in improving the local food security. The fruits this year were plentiful. Currently we have guavas, sugar apples, pomegranates. The mango trees had several bearings. Five fingers, soursop, cherries, and plums were most abundant during the 3rd quarter of the year.

Many of these fruits should find their way to the St. Mathias Anglican Harvest festival this coming Sunday when the faithful gather in gratitude for all God’s blessings.

Earlier in the year, there was an abundance of salt and many harvested what they could. Since sea moss was introduced here by Mrs. Ann Harvey, the crop has been a huge blessing to those who engage in its cultivation, and those who harvest those growing in the wild.

Indeed, we have much to be thankful for.We have experienced abundant blessings this year.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD